Insulated Concrete Form Connector for Thicker Side Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for attaching structural members to foam-insulated concrete walls lack versatility in accommodating thicker side walls and do not provide adequate anchoring and insulation, limiting their effectiveness in modern construction methods.

Innovation Solution

A connector with an anchoring plate and legs that are inserted into the concrete form, featuring strengthening flanges and embossments, allowing secure attachment of structural members like ledger boards, while accommodating thicker side walls and providing insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing connectors are used for attaching structural members to foam-insulated concrete walls, then installation is straightforward, but they lack versatility in accommodating thicker side walls and provide inadequate anchoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of thicker side wallsVSAvoidanchoring strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: an attachment plate for interfacing with the foam form exterior, multiple anchoring legs extending into the concrete interior, and strengthening flanges connected to each anchoring leg. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, enabling the connector to accommodate thicker side walls while maintaining strong anchoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector utilizes three-dimensional space by extending anchoring legs from the attachment plate into the interior of the insulated form. The strengthening flanges extend orthogonally from the anchoring legs toward the center region, creating a multi-dimensional anchoring structure that provides both versatility for thicker walls and reliable anchoring strength through spatial distribution of attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If connectors with extensive anchoring structures are used to improve attachment strength, then reliability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment plate and anchoring legs are merged into a single integrated connector component, eliminating the need for separate anchoring mechanisms. The strengthening flanges are directly connected to the anchoring legs, combining multiple structural functions into one unified piece that provides high attachment strength without requiring assembly of multiple complex parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring legs are designed to be inserted directly into the interior of the insulated form and anchored in the concrete through their own structural configuration. The strengthening flanges extend toward the center region and provide inherent structural reinforcement without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, allowing the connector to serve its own anchoring needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250333956A1Insulated Concrete Form Connector

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 SIMPSON STRONG TIE

AI summary

A connector has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior of an insulated form to provide an attachment for a structural member to the connector. A plurality of anchoring plates extend from the attachment plate into the interior of the insulated form to anchor the connector.