Removable Form Tie Wire with Orthogonal Bracket Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional form ties used in concrete construction are costly, require additional steps for hiding the tie ends, and can lead to rust and structural issues, while also making it difficult to achieve a smooth finish due to the size and visibility of the holes left after removal.
Innovation Solution
A removable form tie system utilizing a wire with orthogonal bends secured by brackets on either side of the forms, which allows for easy removal without leaving visible holes, eliminating the need for internal hardware and providing structural support without the drawbacks of conventional ties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional form ties are used, then structural support is provided, but visible holes and rust issues occur after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful parts (internal hardware, thick tie ends) from the conventional form tie system. Instead of using traditional metal form ties that leave visible holes and rust, the invention uses a thin wire running through the concrete that can be completely removed, extracting only the necessary structural support function while eliminating the harmful visual and structural remnants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the form tie system by using a thin wire instead of thick metal ties, and by using brackets with channels to hold the wire at orthogonal angles. This parameter change allows the wire to be small enough to remove cleanly without visible holes, while still providing adequate structural support during the concrete pouring process.
2Reliability
If conventional form ties with internal hardware are used, then structural support is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex internal hardware (nuts, bolts, washers) from conventional form tie systems. The solution uses simple brackets with channels that hold a thin wire, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and multiple components, thereby reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive brackets and thin wire instead of expensive, complex metal form tie systems with internal hardware. The brackets are designed to be mounted to the forms and then have the wire removed after concrete pouring, using disposable or reusable simple components rather than expensive permanent hardware.
3Strength
If conventional form ties are used, then forms are secured, but additional steps are needed to hide tie ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problem of visible tie ends by using a thin wire that can be completely removed after concrete pouring. Instead of having to hide or patch conventional form tie ends, the invention uses a wire small enough to remove cleanly, eliminating the additional finishing steps required with traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a removable wire instead of permanent metal ties. Rather than trying to hide or repair the remnants of conventional form ties, the solution uses a thin wire that is removed entirely, leaving only small holes that are naturally filled by concrete shrinkage, thereby inverting the problem-solving approach from concealment to complete removal.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a thin wire is used, then visible holes are minimized, but wire removal difficulty may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wire into sections held by brackets with channels at orthogonal angles. This segmentation allows the wire to be accessed and removed section by section from the brackets, making the removal process manageable despite the wire being embedded in concrete. The orthogonal channel design provides access points for wire extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets with channels act as intermediaries between the thin wire and the external environment. The channels provide access points that allow the wire to be gripped and removed without having to extract it directly from the concrete, facilitating easier wire removal while maintaining the thin wire design that minimizes visible holes.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable form tie system and methods of construction using same are disclosed. The removable form tie system may comprise first and second brackets for respectively mounting to a first and second forms spaced apart from one another. A wire runs from the first bracket to the second bracket. Each bracket preferably comprises a fastening wall and a channel adapted to receive one end of the wire. Each bracket may further comprise a holder for receiving the wire at a substantially orthogonal angle after being received by the channel. The holder may comprise a portion of a stiffening wall extending substantially orthogonally away from the fastening wall, as well as a detent extending substantially orthogonally away from the first stiffening wall. In the alternative, the holder may be an extension from the fastening wall, wherein the holder extends substantially orthogonally away from the first fastening wall and then bends back to be generally parallel to the first fastening wall. Where the forms are plywood, a bracket may include a stiffening wall extending generally orthogonal away from the fastening wall, wherein the stiffening wall includes a sleeve adapted to receive a pin. Methods of using the form tie system include using the brackets with sleeve and pin arrangement to secure one or more braces, such as walers or strong backs, to maintain rigidity of the forms. The disclosed inventions advantageously permit wet concrete to be poured between the forms and troweled with ease. The wire may be easily removed from the concrete, even days after the concrete has cured, for an aesthetically pleasing result without concern of wire oxidization issues.