Snap-Tie Positioning Tool for Remote Concrete Form Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of aligning and securing snap-ties in concrete forms is labor-intensive and hazardous, requiring workers to physically enter the form, which increases the risk of injury and diminishes productivity due to the time-consuming nature of the task.
Innovation Solution
A positioning tool with a shaft member and a slotted engaging member, such as a tapered washer, allows for remote manipulation and securing of snap-ties, eliminating the need for workers to enter the concrete form, using a high tensile steel shaft and a curved hook for ease of use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a worker manually positions and secures snap-ties by reaching into the concrete form, then the snap-tie can be properly positioned and secured, but the worker is exposed to safety risks including cuts, smashes, and punctures from metal bars and plywood panels
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning tool with a shaft member and slotted engaging member serves as an intermediary device. The engaging member fits around the snap-tie and the shaft member extends through the concrete form, allowing the worker to manipulate and secure the snap-tie from outside the form, eliminating direct exposure to hazardous materials while maintaining full control over the positioning and securing process
2Manufacturing precision
If a worker manually manipulates and secures snap-ties into position, then the snap-tie is properly positioned, but significant effort and time are required making the process labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tool with its slotted engaging member designed to fit around the snap-tie provides mechanical advantage and precise control. The shaft member acts as a lever arm that translates small movements at the handle into accurate positioning of the snap-tie at the far end, achieving precise positioning with minimal effort and time
Solution Approach 2:
The tool extends the worker's reach into the third dimension (through the concrete form), allowing manipulation of the snap-tie from outside the form. This dimensional extension eliminates the need for the worker to physically enter the confined space, reducing manual dexterity requirements while maintaining positioning accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A tool designed for aligning and positioning snap-ties used in assembling the structural concrete shaping forms. The tool comprises a shaft member fixedly attached to a slotted engaging member for engaging the snap-ties. The slotted engaging member typically has a tapered slot so that the user may easily encompass the snap-tie and position it in a single step without the need to temporarily lock the snap-tie to the tool during positioning. The tool also allows the user to position snap-ties remotely without the need for the user's body to enter a concrete form apparatus, thereby decreasing the chance of injury.