One-Piece Post-Tension Tendon Pocket Former with Push-In Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pocket formers for post-tension cables require the use of nails or screws for installation, which are difficult to manage, especially in tight spaces, and result in increased installation time, cost, and safety hazards due to protruding metallic fasteners, and existing solutions with multiple pieces or special anchors are cumbersome and not widely applicable.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece molded post-tension tendon pocket former with push-in retention tabs that securely and aligns the anchor to the formwork using existing fastener holes, eliminating the need for nails or screws and allowing single-person installation by integrating a pocket section, formwork securing mechanism, and anchor securing mechanism with retention tabs that break away after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nails or screws are used to secure the pocket former to the formwork, then the assembly is held in place during concrete placement, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming, and metallic fasteners protrude creating safety hazards and rust bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metallic fasteners (nails or screws) from the system entirely. Instead, it uses a plastic pocket former with integrated retention tabs that engage with the anchor's existing fastener holes, eliminating the need for separate metallic fastening elements while maintaining secure attachment during concrete placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention tabs are integrated directly into the pocket former as a unified plastic component. The tabs engage with the anchor's pre-existing fastener holes, combining the securing function into the pocket former itself rather than requiring separate fasteners, thereby simplifying installation and eliminating metallic protrusions.
2Reliability
If multiple pieces or special anchors are used to secure the pocket former, then the anchor can be secured to the formwork, but the solution becomes cumbersome and less compatible with various anchor types
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket former is designed as a single integrated plastic component that combines the pocket structure with four retention tabs. This unified design eliminates the need for multiple separate pieces or specialized anchors, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention tabs are designed to engage with the fastener holes that are standard features on most commercial anchors. This universal compatibility allows the same pocket former design to work with various anchor types without requiring specialized components, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability across different applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional pocket formers are used, then the pocket is formed in the concrete, but additional metallic fasteners are required increasing installation cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket former integrates the pocket-forming structure with retention tabs that directly engage the anchor's existing fastener holes. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate metallic fasteners, reducing the number of installation steps and improving productivity while maintaining the pocket formation capability.
4Reliability
If metallic fasteners are used, then the assembly is secured, but rust bleeding and safety hazards from protruding fasteners occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes metallic fasteners from the system. The retention tabs are made of the same plastic material as the pocket former, eliminating the source of rust bleeding and removing protruding metallic elements that create safety hazards, while maintaining assembly security through the integrated tab design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket former and retention tabs are constructed from plastic material that is compatible with the concrete environment. This material choice eliminates rust bleeding associated with metallic fasteners and provides a safer, non-protruding solution while maintaining the necessary securing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece post-tension tendon pocket former includes a pocket section configured to create a pocket in an edge of concrete, a formwork securing mechanism connected to the second end of the pocket section configured to secure the second end of the pocket section to a formwork, and an anchor securing mechanism. The anchor securing mechanism is configured to secure the pocket section to a post-tension tendon anchor with at least one fastener hole and includes an anchor sealing portion and at least one retention tab. The anchor sealing portion is configured to seal the pocket section to the post-tension tendon anchor. Each of the at least one retention tab extends from a side of the pocket section and is configured to be secured in one of the at least one fastener holes for securing the seal between the anchor sealing portion and the post-tension tendon anchor.