Tunnel Formwork Reinforcement for Wind Pressure Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Tunnel boxes used in window and door frames often deform excessively under wind pressure due to inadequate reinforcement, leading to structural instability and increased risk of damage.

Innovation Solution

The tunnel box is reinforced by connecting the upper crosspiece to the leg using a connecting rail and incorporating hoops with intermediate branches and anchoring lugs, which stiffen the structure and enhance its resistance to wind forces by uniformly distributing forces across the box-tunnel's walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the tunnel box is made without additional reinforcement, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it deforms excessively under wind pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement framework is divided into multiple discrete components: vertical reinforcement elements positioned at regular intervals along the tunnel box, horizontal connecting elements that link these vertical elements, and anchoring elements that secure the framework to the tunnel box structure. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving the desired structural stability against wind pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the tunnel box structure is reinforced with a framework, then resistance to wind forces improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement framework applies local quality by concentrating structural support at critical locations: vertical reinforcement elements are positioned at regular intervals where wind pressure creates maximum stress, and horizontal connecting elements link these strategic points. This localized reinforcement approach provides adequate wind resistance without requiring complete structural reinforcement throughout the entire tunnel box, thereby balancing strength requirements with manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2366863B1Tunnel formwork including a framework for reinforcing the structure thereof
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 DELPHIA
  • EP2366863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2366863B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2366863B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The box (100) has a top wall (V) extended by leg walls (B1, B2), where the box is formed as a monolithic block using heat insulating material. A reinforcement (500) comprises a set of bars (510) integrated in the walls in transverse planes of the box. Openings (520) traverse the bars such that molded material passes through the openings during manufacturing of the box, so as to integrate the bars into the structure of the box.