Interlocking Conduit Spacer for Precise Wall Form Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective solutions for precisely positioning and supporting conduits within hardening cementitious material, particularly for grouping conduits optimally in both four inch and six inch thick walls, and for easy installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A conduit spacer system featuring a semi-circular saddle for easy removal and interlocks for attaching multiple spacers together, allowing for precise positioning of conduits relative to each other and accommodating different conduit sizes and wall thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conduits are bundled together to maintain optimal spacing, then conduit positioning precision is improved, but removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit support system is divided into modular spacer units that can be individually attached to conduits and then interconnected. Each spacer independently supports one conduit, allowing for precise positioning while maintaining the ability to easily detach and remove individual spacers from the hardened concrete.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers are pre-positioned and attached to conduits before the concrete hardens, establishing the desired conduit spacing in advance. The interlocking features are预先 designed into the spacer structure, enabling easy connection between multiple spacers to maintain precise positioning during the concrete setting process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple spacers are interconnected for optimal conduit grouping, then conduit spacing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses discrete, standardized spacer units with consistent interlocking features. Each spacer is a simple modular component that can be independently manufactured and then connected to adjacent spacers through standardized tabs and slots, maintaining precision without requiring complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer design incorporates universal interlocking features (tabs and slots) that allow any spacer to connect with any other spacer of the same type. This universal connection system enables flexible configuration for different conduit groupings while using the same basic spacer component, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Conduits are held in a desired position inboard of a form board supporting hardening cementitious material through at least one spacer. The spacer is attached at a proximal end to the form board and has a distal end extending out over the hardening cementitious material where a saddle or other engagement supports the conduit. A tab can extend up from the spacer to help support the conduit. One saddle is semi-circular and provided in matching size to various conduits for secure support but easy lateral removal. Spacers can have interlocks, such as male and female dovetail structures, on lateral sides thereof to secure groups of spacers together, and thus precisely align conduits relative to each other. A step and lip near the proximal end of the spacer can engage an outer surface of the form board either for four inch wall conduit positioning or six inch wall conduit positioning.