Removable Insert Fastening for Adaptable Concrete Formwork
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Solution Overview
Problem
In concrete formwork systems, existing tie-rod and she-bolt assemblies are not universally adaptable due to varying formwork requirements, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in stabilizing formwork panels, particularly with the remnants of PVC sleeves and guide cones requiring additional post-construction smoothing.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system incorporating a tool with an input and output shaft defining an internal tube, along with cylindrical inserts that can receive and secure tie-rods, allowing for adaptable and efficient assembly of formwork panels using removable inserts and a torque-imparting tool, reducing the need for multiple assemblies and simplifying the removal of tie-rods without concrete embedment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single type of tie-rod, she-bolt or stop washer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different formwork requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of fastening components (tie-rods, she-bolts, stop washers) through a single standardized receptacle design. The insert's internal geometry and engagement features allow it to function with various fastening types without requiring different insert designs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If PVC sleeves are used to stabilize formwork, then formwork stability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to residual PVC requiring post-construction smoothing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilizing function from the PVC sleeve and transfers it to the removable insert and fastening system. The insert is designed to be completely removed after concrete pouring, taking with it any embedded fastening components. This eliminates the need to leave PVC sleeves in the concrete, thereby maintaining formwork stability during construction while achieving smooth concrete surfaces without post-construction smoothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs disposable or recoverable fastening components that are embedded in the concrete along with the removable insert. After the concrete cures, the entire insert assembly with embedded fasteners is removed as a unit, discarding the fastening components that served their purpose during construction. This approach maintains stability during the pouring process while eliminating residual materials that would affect surface precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of fastening assemblies are maintained for different formwork requirements, then adaptability is improved, but inventory costs and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert design provides a universal receptacle that can accommodate multiple types of fastening components (tie-rods, she-bolts, stop washers) through standardized engagement features. This allows a single insert type to serve multiple formwork configurations and fastening requirements, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing the variety of inventory items needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic selection of fastening component types based on specific formwork requirements, while the insert itself remains a standardized, reusable component. The flexibility is achieved not through multiple insert designs but through the ability to select different removable fastening components that fit the universal insert interface, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining configurability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system including a tool and at least one insert. The tool may include an input shaft having a hardness and an output shaft having the same hardness as the input shaft. The input shaft and the output shaft may be connected to each other and may define an internal tube along a longitudinal axis of the tool. A cylindrical insert may define a receiving tube that is configured to receive the output shaft.