Nesting Concrete Conduit End Connector for Formwork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings for forming conduits in concrete structures are limited by their inability to be used with different-sized pouring forms, leading to increased costs due to the need for prefabricated fittings that are large and cumbersome, resulting in high production and shipping expenses.
Innovation Solution
The development of an end connector with a geometry capable of nesting with other end connectors, allowing for interchangeable use with various sized concrete pouring molds, and constructed from inexpensive materials to reduce costs, while providing a fluid-tight seal and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prefabricated fittings are used for specific pouring forms, then the fittings provide structural support and conduit formation, but the fittings cannot be used with pouring forms of different sizes and incur high production and shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The end connector is designed with a universal geometry that allows it to be used with pouring forms of different sizes. The connector can be positioned at various locations and orientations within the form, eliminating the need for size-specific fittings and reducing both production variety and shipping costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The end connector features a nested geometry where one connector can be placed inside another when not in use. This nesting capability reduces the shipping volume required for transporting multiple connectors, directly addressing the high shipping costs associated with traditional prefabricated fittings.
2Strength
If prefabricated fittings are used for specific pouring forms, then the fittings provide structural support and conduit formation, but the fittings are large and cumbersome resulting in high shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The end connector is designed with a nested geometry that allows multiple connectors to be stored within a single connector when not in use. This dramatically reduces the shipping volume from cubic footage to a compact nested arrangement, directly addressing the high shipping costs while maintaining full structural capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting system is segmented into separate components: the end connector and the conduit member. This segmentation allows the connector to be optimized for strength at the interface with the pouring form while the conduit provides the passageway function, enabling each component to be minimized in size and weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If unitary construction fittings are used, then the fittings are prefabricated to fit specific pouring forms, but the fittings cannot be modified for use with different sized forms
Solution Approach 1:
The end connector employs a universal design with standardized sealing surfaces and geometric features that allow the same prefabricated component to function with pouring forms of various sizes. The connector can be adapted to different positions and orientations within the form, providing interchangeability without sacrificing the manufacturing simplicity of prefabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
An end connector for use in forming a conduit in a poured concrete member is provided. The end connector is adapted to be secured to a wall of a concrete member pouring form, the end connector having a surface feature to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal upon receiving an end of a tube that extends between opposite walls of the pouring form to form a conduit in the poured structural member. The end connector has a geometry capable of nesting with at least one other end connector to minimize a container size required to transport the end connectors.