Stay-in-place formwork panel connections with curved interlocking connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular stay-in-place form-work systems for concrete structures face issues with 'unzipping' of connector components due to weight and pressure from poured concrete, leading to deformation, leakage, and contamination risks, particularly in applications requiring sanitary conditions or fluid impermeability.
Innovation Solution
The system employs pivotally connected panels with curved connector components that form a snap-together fitting via restorative deformation forces, providing a fluid and gas-impermeable connection between edge-adjacent panels, and includes support and tensioning members to prevent unzipping and ensure structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connector components are used to join edge-adjacent panels, then the form-work system can be assembled, but the connectors deform and separate (unzip) under concrete pressure, leading to leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved connector components with arcuate engagement surfaces that conform to each other through pivotal movement. The curved geometry allows the connectors to snap together and interlock, distributing concrete pressure along the curved interface rather than at discrete points, thereby preventing deformation and separation while maintaining fluid impermeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are designed to undergo controlled deformation during assembly through pivotal movement, transitioning from a separated state to an interlocked state. This dynamic assembly process allows the connectors to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and then lock into a stable configuration that resists subsequent concrete pressure.
2Reliability
If support panels and tensioning panels are added to prevent unzipping, then connector separation is reduced, but material usage and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection and support functions into a single connector component design. The curved connectors not only join edge-adjacent panels but also inherently resist unzipping forces through their interlocked geometry, eliminating the need for separate support panels and tensioning panels while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components serve multiple functions: joining edge-adjacent panels, preventing unzipping under concrete pressure, and maintaining fluid impermeability. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components (connectors plus support structures), reducing overall material usage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If connector components are designed to be impermeable to fluids and gases, then sanitary conditions are maintained, but the complexity of the connector design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the panel edges themselves as the fluid-impermeable barrier, with the curved connector components creating a tight mechanical interlock that prevents fluid passage. The interlocked curved geometry forms a continuous barrier without requiring additional sealing layers or complex sealing mechanisms, maintaining sanitary conditions through relatively simple connector design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents unzipping, maintains structural integrity, and ensures the system's impermeability to fluids and gases, enhancing its suitability for applications requiring sanitary conditions and reducing material usage and costs.
Implementation Method 1
curved connector components that form a snap-together fitting via restorative deformation forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A stay-in-place form comprises a plurality of elongated panels connectable to one another in edge-to-edge relationship. The plurality of panels comprises first and second panels connectable to one another in edge-adjacent relationship by a connection which comprises a contact joint. The first panel comprise a longitudinally extending first seal-retaining projection shaped to project outwardly from the outer surface of the first panel at a location spaced apart from a first outer-surface transverse edge of the first panel in a first transverse direction. The second panel comprising a longitudinally extending second seal-retaining projection shaped to project outwardly from the outer surface of the second panel at a location spaced apart from a second outer-surface transverse edge of the second panel in a second transverse direction opposite the first transverse direction. The first and second seal-retaining projections and the outer surfaces of the first and second panels defining at least a portion of a seal-receiving concavity which opens outwardly from the form when the connection is made.