Universal Turnbuckle Clip for Concrete Form Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concrete form alignment systems lack standardization in shoulder bolt locations, leading to turnbuckles being unsuitable across different panel bar types, and the attachment plates tend to rotate and fall away, damaging the form panels.
Innovation Solution
A universal turnbuckle clip with specific channel and lip configurations that accommodate various shoulder bolt positions and panel bar edges, preventing rotation and ensuring secure attachment without damaging the panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional flat plate turnbuckles are used with shoulder bolts, then the turnbuckle can be attached to panel bars, but the attachment plates tend to rotate and fall away from the shoulder bolts under load
Solution Approach 1:
The turnbuckle attachment is changed from a flat plate to a curved clip shape that wraps around the shoulder bolt. This curvature allows the clip to engage the bolt from multiple sides, preventing rotation and disengagement while maintaining attachment strength under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed to nest around the shoulder bolt, with the bolt passing through a circular opening in the clip. This nested configuration allows the bolt to be retained within the clip structure, preventing the attachment from falling away while maintaining ease of installation.
2Reliability
If turnbuckles are nailed into place to prevent rotation, then the turnbuckle remains attached, but the form panels are damaged and their longevity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The curved clip design inherently prevents rotation through its geometry alone, eliminating the need for nails or other damaging fastening methods. The clip wraps around the bolt in a way that mechanically constrains rotation without requiring additional fasteners that would damage the panel bars.
3Reliability
If turnbuckles are designed for one specific panel bar configuration, then they work well with that type, but they are not suitable for use with panel bars made by different manufacturers with different shoulder bolt locations
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed with a standardized circular opening and adjustable positioning features that allow it to accommodate shoulder bolts at various locations on different panel bar configurations. This universal design enables the same clip type to be used across multiple manufacturers' panel bars, improving compatibility while maintaining reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
The clip of the present invention comprises a main body having opposed front and rear faces, opposed first and second side ends and opposed top and bottom ends. The first side end has a first channel or groove formed therein and the second side end has a second channel formed therein. The length of the first channel is greater than the length of the second channel and the height of the second channel is greater than the height of the first channel. The top side of the main body has a first lip portion formed thereon and the bottom side has a second lip portion formed thereon. The first and second lips extend generally outwardly in the same direction relative to a face of the main body.