Integrated Concrete Form for Waterstop Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for embedding waterstops in concrete joints are labor-intensive and require additional reinforcement, such as rebar, and do not efficiently form keyed joints, which can lead to water leakage and structural instability.

Innovation Solution

The Integrated Concrete Form, a preformed product with a Pocket to receive half the waterstop and a Protrusion to form a keyway, allows for the simultaneous embedding of a waterstop and creation of a keyed joint, eliminating the need for rebar attachment and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to embed waterstops in concrete joints, then waterstop embedding is achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and requires additional rebar reinforcement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterstop embedding securityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the waterstop embedding function with the keyed joint formation into a single integrated form. The form includes a pocket for receiving the waterstop and a protrusion that forms the keyway, eliminating the need for separate rebar attachment and keyed joint formation operations. This merging of functions directly reduces installation complexity while maintaining embedding security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated form serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions and embeds the waterstop, forms the keyed joint for structural connection, and provides formwork for the concrete pour. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rebar reinforcement and keyed joint formation, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If conventional methods are used to create keyed joints, then structural connection is achieved, but additional rebar and manual construction are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint structural strengthVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The keyed joint structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the form before concrete pouring. The protrusion that creates the keyway is already in place, eliminating the need for manual rebar construction and keyed joint formation after concrete placement. This preliminary action significantly improves installation efficiency while maintaining joint structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The form merges the keyed joint formation with waterstop embedding, so that both the structural connection element (keyway) and the waterstop are created simultaneously in a single pouring operation. This eliminates multiple separate construction steps, directly improving productivity without compromising joint strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate waterstop embedding and keyed joint formation are performed, then both functions are achieved, but installation time and labor are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater barrier performanceVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges waterstop embedding and keyed joint formation into a single integrated form that is installed and poured in one operation. The pocket receives the waterstop while the protrusion forms the keyway, both becoming part of the same concrete element. This simultaneous creation of both functions dramatically reduces installation time while maintaining water barrier performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated form performs multiple functions in a single installation: waterstop positioning, keyed joint formation, and formwork provision. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate operations, directly reducing installation time and labor while ensuring reliable water barrier performance through proper waterstop embedding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If manual rebar construction is used for waterstop support, then waterstop positioning is achieved, but labor intensity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterstop positioning accuracyVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The form merges the waterstop positioning function with the keyed joint formation, so that the pocket that positions the waterstop is an integral part of the same structure that forms the keyway. This eliminates the need for separate manual rebar construction, directly improving ease of operation while maintaining positioning accuracy through the integrated form design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11136731B2Integrated form for embedding a waterstop in a keyed concrete joint

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 J P SPECIALTIES INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an article of manufacture that increases the efficiency of forming a building material having a keyed joint with a waterstop imbedded within the building material. The article allows the easy formation of a keyed joint between formed solid slabs (typically concrete) with a waterstop properly imbedded between the slabs.