Modular Corner Form Assembly for Concrete Wall Construction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing form templates for constructing concrete walls are cumbersome, difficult to install, and prone to warping or misalignment, especially when dealing with reinforcing rebar, which poses safety risks and structural integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

A building wall system featuring a corner form assembly with inner and outer corner forms that include male and female connectors, allowing for independent placement around preinstalled rebar without cutting or bending, and snap-fit connectors to ensure structural integrity and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional large forms are used to construct concrete walls, then smooth surfaces and complex geometries can be achieved, but installation becomes difficult and dangerous and the forms are prone to warping and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The form system is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled incrementally. Each form section is a manageable unit that can be easily positioned and connected to adjacent sections, eliminating the need to handle and install large cumbersome forms as single pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rebar is pre-installed in the footing before form assembly begins. The modular forms are designed with features that facilitate easy alignment and connection to the pre-positioned rebar, ensuring precise placement without requiring complex adjustment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If forms are made large to reduce the number of pieces, then fewer connections are needed, but the forms become subject to extreme internal forces and require heavy machinery for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidform weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple modular form sections are connected through interlocking mechanisms and bracing systems that distribute and transfer internal forces across adjacent sections. This allows the assembly to function as a unified structure capable of withstanding concrete pressure while maintaining the advantage of lighter, more manageable individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If rebar is preinstalled in the footing, then building code compliance is improved, but the forms must be cut or bent to fit around the rebar, creating weak points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidform fabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If corner forms are cut or bent to accommodate bent rebar, then installation around rebar is easier, but the structural integrity of the corner is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidcorner strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10364570B2Building forms and method of assembling same

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 AMERILUX INT LLC

AI summary

A building form system including a plurality of forms for assembling into a wall template that is filled with concrete to create a building wall. The system includes a corner form assembly comprising an inner corner form and an outer corner form for disposition on a corner footing. The outer corner form includes walls angled from a bend. A pair of connectors are disposed on opposite ends from the bend. The inner corner form includes corresponding connectors for attachment to the outer corner form around a preset vertical rebar in the corner footing. The system further includes a base form extending between a first pair of connectors that include a peripheral wall disposed directly therebetween and the second pair of connectors for mating engagement with the first that include an inset wall spaced inwardly therefrom. Spacing between the peripheral and inset wall of adjacent base forms accommodating vertical rebar.