Foldable Cover Assembly for One-Sided Core Hole Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in filling unused core holes in concrete floors and walls of large buildings, as conventional methods require extensive time and labor to refill holes from the opposite side, often resulting in dozens or hundreds of unused holes due to uncertainty in hole placement and number during construction.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly with a hinge mechanism that can be folded to fit through existing holes, expanded to cover them, and secured with a fastening mechanism to allow filling from one side, reducing the need for repetitive and time-consuming refilling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to fill core holes, then the holes can be filled, but extensive time and labor are required and filling must be done from the opposite side
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly is divided into multiple panels that can be folded together to form a complete cover. This segmentation allows the cover to be inserted in a compact state through the hole and then expanded to cover the entire opening, enabling one-sided filling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows it to transition between a compact folded state for insertion and an expanded state for covering the hole. This dynamic transformation enables the cover to pass through the hole in a reduced configuration and then expand to provide full coverage for one-sided filling.
2Productivity
If conventional filling methods are used, then material can be placed in holes, but repetitive and time-consuming refilling processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly is prepared in advance with a foldable structure that allows it to be inserted through the hole before the filling material is placed. This preliminary positioning of the cover ensures that the hole is properly sealed and supported before filling begins, eliminating the need for repetitive refilling operations.
3Area of stationary object
If a cover assembly is made large enough to cover the hole, then it can provide full coverage, but it cannot fit through the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly panels are nested together in a folded configuration that allows the entire assembly to pass through the hole in a compact state. Once inserted, the panels are unfolded and expanded to form a complete cover that provides full coverage of the hole opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly transitions from a two-dimensional folded structure during insertion to a three-dimensional expanded structure that covers the hole. This dimensional transformation allows the cover to fit through the hole in a compressed state and then expand to provide adequate coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inserting material into a hole formed through a building structure includes inserting a cover assembly into the hole formed through the building structure, moving at least a portion of the cover assembly from an insertion position to a deployed position, and inserting material into the hole with the cover assembly in the deployed position. An apparatus for filling a hole formed between first and second sides of a building structure includes a cover assembly insertable into the hole from the first side of the building structure, a connector configured to be positioned on the first side of the building structure, and a fastening mechanism configured to secure the cover assembly relative to the connector.