Segmented Formwork Tube Extraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork tubes are difficult to extract completely from concrete walls without damaging the concrete or the tube, and often leave gaps that allow concrete to penetrate, leading to leaks in structures like water tanks.
Innovation Solution
A formwork tube designed with two conical portions that can be decoupled and extracted from opposite sides, ensuring alignment and preventing concrete penetration, made of materials with low surface energy to facilitate easy removal and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece formwork tube is used, then the tube structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tube cannot be completely extracted from the concrete wall without damaging the concrete or leaving gaps that allow leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork tube is divided into multiple segments (first portion and second portion) that can be separated from each other. Each segment has coupling elements that allow them to connect during use but separate during extraction. This segmentation enables complete removal from the concrete wall while maintaining structural integrity and preventing leaks, as each segment can be independently extracted without damaging the concrete.
2Reliability
If the tube is designed to be extracted completely, then leak prevention is improved, but the extraction process becomes complex and may damage the tube or concrete wall
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into multiple portions that can be easily separated and extracted independently. Each segment has simplified coupling mechanisms that allow for straightforward assembly and disassembly, reducing the complexity of the extraction process while ensuring complete removal to prevent leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements between tube segments are designed to be easily separated and removed. The segments can be taken out from opposite ends of the concrete wall, simplifying the extraction process. The tie rod ends are also extracted along with the tube segments, completing the removal without complex operations.
3Reliability
If the tube portions are tightly coupled to prevent concrete penetration, then sealing is improved, but the coupling area may create gaps or misalignment during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into segments with coupling elements that provide both tight sealing during use and easy separation during extraction. The coupling area is designed with features that prevent concrete penetration (such as overlapping surfaces or sealing elements) while allowing the segments to be pulled apart from opposite directions without creating misalignment or gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements between tube segments are designed with asymmetric features that provide one-way locking during assembly (preventing concrete penetration) while allowing easy separation in the opposite direction during extraction. This asymmetric design enables both sealing and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Formwork tube consisting of a first portion with a first conical end, and a second portion with a second conical end. The first portion and the second portion are coupled to each other, so that the tube can be completely extracted from the formwork after use. The first portion is extracted from one of the sides of the formwork while the second portion is extracted from the other side of the formwork. The formwork tube is suitable for housing therein a transverse tie rod.