Interlocking Plastic Formwork with Sealed Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formworks are cumbersome and costly to connect due to sliding engagement, leading to leakage issues and obstructed internal space inspection, especially when connecting long formworks, which complicates the construction of large concrete slabs.

Innovation Solution

A plastic formwork with interlocking connection systems featuring softer, deformable materials for sealing engagement, allowing for easy alignment and secure connection without the need for scaffolding, while maintaining a clear internal space for inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sliding engagement is used to connect formworks, then connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes cumbersome and costly requiring scaffolding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of raising the first formwork above the second formwork for connection (conventional sliding engagement), the patent inverts the approach by having the formwork connect at the same level through interlocking engagement. The connecting system includes interlocking portions that engage horizontally without requiring vertical displacement, eliminating the need for scaffolding and simplifying the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If sliding engagement is used to connect formworks, then connection is achieved, but material leakage occurs at the interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmaterial leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a flexible sealing member within the connecting system that forms a flexible seal at the interface between adjacent formworks. This flexible sealing member deforms to accommodate slight misalignments and ensures a tight seal, preventing material leakage while maintaining the integrity of the connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting system acts as an intermediary element between adjacent formworks, providing both mechanical interlocking and sealing functions. The connecting system includes a sealing interface that mediates the connection between formworks, ensuring both structural integrity and leak prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If formwork bodies are made solid for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but internal space inspection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformwork structural integrityVSAvoidinternal space visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making specific portions of the formwork body translucent or transparent while maintaining structural integrity. The end walls or side walls include translucent portions that allow visual inspection of the internal space and concrete pouring process without compromising the overall strength and rigidity of the formwork structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and cost-effective connection of long formworks with a sealed interface, reducing material leakage and improving visibility during inspection, facilitating the construction of large concrete slabs without the need for extensive scaffolding.

Implementation Method 1

the material of the sealed interface-effecting portion is softer than the material of the substrate portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11761203B2Mold-in-place concrete formwork

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 VISION PROFILE EXTRUSIONS LTD

AI summary

A plastic formwork is disclosed, and comprises a slurry-receiving structure, wherein the slurry-receiving structure defines an aperture and a formwork-defined internal space, wherein a slurry is receivable within the formwork-defined internal space. The formwork further comprises a formwork-defined first connection system counterpart and a formwork-defined second connection system counterpart, each of which includes a sealed interface-effecting portion that is supported by a substrate portion. The material of the sealed interface-effecting portion is softer than the material of the substrate portion. The formwork is connectible to another formwork via interlocking engagement with effect that an obtained aperture and an obtained internal space are obtained, wherein a slurry is receivable within the obtained internal space. The interlocking engagement is with effect that sealing engagement is effected between the sealed interface-effecting portions of the formwork and the another formwork such that sealed interfaces are obtained between the formwork and the another formwork.