Insulating Concrete Form Panels With Angular Ties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating concrete form systems face challenges such as difficulty in panel fitting, concrete pouring, utility installation, and finishing material attachment, along with costly manufacturing processes and issues related to transportation and storage, particularly due to the need for specialized corner blocks and embedded connectors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed insulating construction panel system features interlocking panels with regularly spaced coplanar passages and angular passages, along with ties comprising elongated plates and angular connectors, which allow for easy assembly, concrete pouring, and secure attachment of finishing materials, eliminating the need for pre-molded corner panels and embedded connectors, thus simplifying manufacturing and improving recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preassembled blocks with embedded connectors are used, then attachment of finishing materials is facilitated, but manufacturing cost increases and transportation/storage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the insulating concrete form into separate modular panels that can be assembled on-site. The panels are segmented with integrated tie members that provide attachment points without requiring pre-embedding of connectors, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of finishing material attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The tie members serve multiple functions: they connect opposing panels together, provide attachment points for finishing materials, and maintain panel alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate embedded connectors, reducing manufacturing cost while facilitating finishing material attachment
2Strength
If specialized corner blocks are used, then structural integrity at corners is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The corner panels use the same standardized tie members and panel designs as straight sections, but the tie members are positioned and configured to provide enhanced corner strength. This universal approach maintains structural integrity while eliminating the need for specialized corner blocks, reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tie members at corner locations are configured with specific spacing and orientation to provide enhanced structural support where needed, while maintaining the same basic panel and connector design throughout. This localized optimization maintains strength without requiring specialized components
3Ease of operation
If embedded connectors are used in panels, then attachment of utilities and finishes is easier, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment functionality is segmented into separate tie members that connect panels, rather than embedding connectors directly in the panels. This allows utilities and finishes to be attached to the tie members and panel surfaces without requiring complex embedded connector systems during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The tie members and panel surfaces provide self-contained attachment points that eliminate the need for additional embedded connectors. The system serves its own attachment needs through the inherent structure of the panels and ties, simplifying manufacturing while facilitating utility and finish installation
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating construction panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side, the panel for constructing a single or multi-cavity concrete form. The panel includes regularly spaced coplanar passages extending through the panel from the top end toward the bottom end and at least one angular passage perpendicularly intersecting each coplanar passage at the top end and bottom end of the panel and extending toward and through at least a portion of the back end of the panel.