Glass Block Window Kit for Poured Concrete Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing glass block windows or panels in poured concrete walls require post-pouring installation, which is inefficient and necessitates custom forms and fittings.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising spacers and a glass block panel is placed between wall forms before pouring concrete, with spacers holding the panel in place until the concrete cures, allowing for seamless integration of the window into the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If glass block window is installed after the wall is poured, then the installation process is simpler, but the installation efficiency is reduced and custom forms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The glass block window is positioned within the wall form before the concrete is poured. Spacers are placed to hold the glass block in the desired location, and the form is then filled with concrete. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for post-pouring installation and custom form fabrication, achieving both simplicity and efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom forms and fittings are used for post-installation, then the glass block can be precisely positioned, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers are pre-positioned within the wall form before concrete pouring, establishing the precise location for the glass block window. This preliminary arrangement ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex custom forms or fittings, as the spacers serve as simple, effective positioning elements that are easily removed after curing.
3Productivity
If the wall is poured without the glass block in place, then the pouring process is faster, but additional preparation and installation steps are required afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The glass block window is positioned in the wall form before the concrete is poured, using spacers to hold it in place. This allows the wall to be poured continuously without interruption for additional installation steps, eliminating the time loss associated with post-pouring preparation and installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a window in or within a poured concrete wall is disclosed. The method comprises a kit with at least one window block. It also includes a first spacer adapted to abut a first side of the glass block and a second spacer adapted to abut a second side of the window block. The method implementing the kit includes the steps of erecting a wall form comprising of a first and a second form, locating the kit in between the first and second form, placing concrete into the wall form around the window kit, removing the first and second wall forms, and removing the first and second spacers.