Wall Formwork Plastic Sleeve for Anchor Hole Concrete Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall formworks face challenges in preventing concrete from entering anchor holes, and there is a difficulty in efficiently removing concrete from these holes once it has entered.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wall formwork system that includes plastic sleeves fitted into anchor holes in a force-fit and/or form-fit manner, which prevents concrete from entering and allows for easy removal of concrete that may have accidentally entered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If seals are used to prevent concrete from entering anchor holes, then concrete penetration is reduced, but the complexity of the anchor system increases and seals may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcrete penetration into anchor holeVSAvoidanchor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the sealing function from a separate seal component and integrates it into the sleeve itself through the conical surface geometry. The sleeve's tapered shape creates a self-sealing effect when compressed during anchor rod insertion, eliminating the need for separate seal components and reducing system complexity while maintaining concrete prevention functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve transitions from an uncompressed state with a larger diameter to a compressed state with a smaller diameter when the anchor rod is inserted. This parameter change in the sleeve's dimensions creates the sealing effect, allowing the same component to serve both as a concrete barrier and as a mechanism that adapts to the anchor rod while preventing concrete penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of repair

If concrete enters anchor holes, then removal effort increases significantly without the sleeve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcrete removal effortVSAvoidconcrete in anchor hole
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve acts as an intermediary between the anchor hole and the concrete. By providing a removable plastic barrier, the sleeve mediates the interaction between concrete and the anchor hole, allowing concrete to be easily removed from the sleeve without directly contacting the anchor hole structure, thereby significantly reducing cleanup effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic sleeve is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that can be easily removed and discarded after concrete hardening. This approach trades the cost of a reusable complex removal system for inexpensive single-use sleeves that simplify the removal process by providing a ready-made containment structure that can be pulled out with minimal effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a flange is added to the sleeve, then the sleeve is secured against outward pulling, but the insertion complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesleeve positioning stabilityVSAvoidsleeve insertion simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is pre-formed as an integral part of the sleeve during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The preliminary formation of the flange ensures proper positioning and stability while maintaining insertion simplicity, as the flange is already in its final configuration and requires no additional assembly operations on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The use of plastic sleeves effectively prevents concrete from entering anchor holes and allows for easy removal of any concrete that may have entered, reducing the effort required for maintenance and ensuring a smooth construction process.

Implementation Method 1

Each sleeve (4) can therefore be held in the anchor hole (3) by static friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The sleeve (4) extends from one end of the anchor hole (3) to the other end of the anchor hole (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3921491B1Wall formwork with sleeve for anchor holes, sleeve and cleaning method
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 HUENNEBECK GMBH
  • EP3921491B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3921491B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3921491B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a wall formwork for the construction of walls with a formwork facing (1) and elements (2) which support the formwork facing (1), with several anchor holes (3) which pass through supporting elements (2), with a sleeve (4) made of plastic which is held in a force-fit and/or form-fit manner in an anchor hole (3), wherein the sleeve (4) extends from one end of the anchor hole (3) to the other end of the anchor hole (3), and wherein the outer face of the sleeve (4) tightly abuts the inner face of the anchor hole (3) at the side of the formwork facing, characterized in that each anchor hole (3) comprises a sleeve (4). The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a wall formwork with the features according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that concrete is driven out of an anchor hole.