Fire-Resistant Formwork Connector with Plastic-Metal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete formwork technologies face issues with fire safety due to plastic ties that can melt and create passageways for smoke and flames, while metal ties are difficult to manipulate and can damage polystyrene molding equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plastic connector embeddable within an insulating panel and a metal bridge linking it to a second panel, maintaining a fixed spaced relationship, where the bridge is made of fire-resistant material to prevent passageway formation in fires and avoid mold damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plastic ties are used to connect formwork panels, then ease of manipulation and embedding in polystyrene panels is improved, but fire safety deteriorates as plastic melts and creates passageways for smoke and flames
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two distinct parts: a plastic connector portion that is easy to embed in polystyrene panels, and a metal bridge portion that provides fire resistance. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the plastic part offers ease of manipulation while the metal part ensures fire safety by preventing passageway formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device combines two different materials - plastic and metal - into a single composite structure. The plastic connector embeds easily in the polystyrene panel, while the metal bridge links the panels and resists fire, creating a composite solution that addresses both ease of operation and fire safety concerns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal ties are used to connect formwork panels, then fire safety is improved, but ease of manipulation and embedding in polystyrene panels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the metal component into a bridge portion that connects panels, while the connector portion that embeds in panels is made of plastic. This allows the metal to provide fire safety without requiring direct manipulation or embedding, as the plastic connector handles the embedding task easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic connector acts as an intermediary that facilitates easy embedding in polystyrene panels, while the metal bridge serves as the fire-resistant linking element. The plastic connector mediates between the metal bridge and the polystyrene panel, making the overall system easier to manipulate while maintaining fire safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If metal ties are used to connect formwork panels, then fire resistance is improved, but damage to polystyrene molding equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fire-resistant metal component into a bridge portion that does not contact the mold, while the plastic connector portion embeds in the polystyrene panel without damaging the mold. This segmentation prevents metal-to-mold contact, eliminating mold damage while preserving fire resistance in the metal bridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic connector serves as an intermediary between the metal bridge and the polystyrene panel during the molding process. It protects the mold from metal abrasion while allowing the metal bridge to provide fire resistance in the final structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting and maintaining a first panel and a second panel of a concrete formwork in a fixed, spaced relationship during a wall building process includes a first connector embeddable within the first panel and having a non mold-abrading surface. A bridge links the first connector with the second panel, and at least a portion of the bridge is made of a fire-resistant material. Due to the properties of the device, it does not unduly scratch molding equipment during formation of an insulated panel in which it is to be embedded, and resists passage of smoke or flames through the formed concrete wall in the event of a fire.