Insulated Concrete Form Locking System for Flat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete form systems are inefficient due to fully assembled blocks that occupy space, require labor-intensive assembly, and lack interchangeability and reversibility, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in storage, shipping, and handling.
Innovation Solution
A locking and tie system for insulated concrete forms that allows components to be assembled flat, easily handled, and oriented without specific top, bottom, left, or right orientation, using interchangeable and reversible locking members and ties that can be embedded in foam panels for stability and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fully assembled blocks are used, then form strength is sufficient, but storage and shipping space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The form system is divided into separate components (panels, locking members, ties) that can be shipped and stored flat in a compact state, then assembled on-site to form the complete structure. This segmentation allows the same form to occupy minimal storage space while providing full structural strength when assembled.
2Volume of stationary object
If knockdown forms are used, then storage and shipping efficiency improves, but assembly time increases and components fail to stay properly assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members and ties are designed to self-assemble and self-lock into place through their geometric configuration and interlocking features. The components automatically stay assembled without requiring additional fastening steps or tools, eliminating the time penalty typically associated with knockdown systems while maintaining storage efficiency.
3Strength
If traditional locking and tie systems are used, then components provide form strength, but assembly is labor-intensive and requires precise orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members and ties are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple orientations and positions without requiring specific top/bottom or left/right differentiation. This universality simplifies assembly operations while maintaining the structural strength needed for concrete forming.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed web designs are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability for different wall thicknesses and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adjustable and reconfigurable locking members and ties that can be positioned at various locations and orientations to accommodate different wall thicknesses and concrete form configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows a single standardized panel design to serve multiple construction needs without sacrificing manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Concrete form assemblies having insulating foam panels are created using locking members embedded within the insulating foam panels and ties each having a pair of side rails for coupling two insulating foam panels together at a predetermined distance apart, the locking members and side rails being adapted so that either side rail can be coupled to either locking member and either of the ends of the rails and locking members can be toward the top or bottom of the assembly when the rails are coupled to the locking members.