Firestop Indicator System for Concrete Penetration Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
In building construction, it is challenging to locate and identify pre-installation systems for forming through-penetrations in corrugated sheet metal formworks after concrete has been poured and solidified, as these systems are often concealed by the concrete, leading to difficulties in accurately positioning cutting tools for creating necessary openings.
Innovation Solution
A pre-installation system that includes a lead-sleeve, platform, and indicator system, where the indicator system protrudes through the concrete surface after solidification, allowing easy identification of the pre-installation system's location, and a block-out component that creates a concrete-free region for cutting through the sheet metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-installation systems are fixed to formwork before concrete pouring, then through-penetrations can be formed after concrete solidifies, but the pre-installation systems become concealed and difficult to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system utilizes visual contrast through color or reflective properties to remain visible against the concrete background. The indicator material is specifically selected to provide high visibility (e.g., bright colors, reflective surfaces) that contrasts with the gray concrete, allowing operators to easily locate the pre-installation system position after concrete solidifies.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system serves as an intermediary element between the concealed pre-installation system and the operator's detection capability. It is attached to the pre-installation system and extends through the concrete surface, providing a visible proxy that indicates the location of the hidden component without requiring direct visibility of the pre-installation system itself.
2Ease of operation
If temporary markers are used to indicate drilling sites, then location identification becomes easier, but the markers are unreliable and may not provide precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system is permanently integrated with the pre-installation system through attachment mechanisms (adhesive, mechanical, or structural bonding). This merging ensures that the indicator and the pre-installation system maintain fixed relative positioning, eliminating the reliability issues of temporary markers while preserving precise location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system is pre-installed and attached to the pre-installation system before concrete pouring occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the indicator is already in its final, precise position relative to the pre-installation system, allowing for accurate location identification without requiring subsequent adjustments or repositioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a lead-sleeve coupled to a platform. The platform attaches to a sheet metal having alternating peaks and valleys, and the platform includes a block-out component that conforms to a valley of the sheet metal. The system also includes an indicator system coupled to a cap of the lead-sleeve, where the indicator system protrudes through the concrete after the concrete is poured and solidified around the lead-sleeve.