Wire Fastener Element for Concrete Form Curing Blankets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing curing blankets over concrete forms during the curing process are inefficient, particularly in windy, rainy, or snowy conditions, as they fail to effectively retain heat and moisture, compromising the strength and durability of the concrete.
Innovation Solution
A fastener element comprising a wire body with a central portion extending laterally and attachment portions, including leg and arm portions, is used to securely attach the curing blanket to the concrete form, providing a stable and insulating barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If string or tape is used to secure curing blankets, then the method is simple and low cost, but the curing blanket is not effectively retained in place during windy, rainy, or snowy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wire body is divided into distinct functional segments: a central portion for spanning the form width, leg portions for vertical attachment, and arm portions for securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener element transitions from a simple linear string/tape to a three-dimensional wire structure with multiple planes (central portion, leg portions extending downward, arm portions extending inward). This dimensional complexity enables effective retention in adverse weather while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Productivity
If insulating materials are placed over concrete forms without proper securing, then the application is quick and simple, but the materials cannot maintain heat and moisture retention during the curing process
Solution Approach 1:
The wire fastener elements are prepared in advance with their specific geometry (central portion, leg portions, arm portions) so that during application, the curing blanket can be quickly secured without complex assembly steps. The preliminary formation of the wire structure enables both speed and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire fastener acts as an intermediary between the curing blanket and the concrete form, providing a reliable connection that maintains heat and moisture retention. This intermediary structure enables both quick application and effective energy retention.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment method is implemented, then heat and moisture retention is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire body parameters (dimensions, curvature, segment lengths) are optimized to achieve reliable attachment without excessive complexity. By carefully controlling geometric parameters, the fastener provides effective retention while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system combines the wire fastener element with the curing blanket and concrete form into a composite system that achieves reliable heat and moisture retention. The integration of these components creates an effective whole without requiring overly complex individual elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fastener element for securing a curing blanket over the open upper end of a concrete form. The fastener element comprises a wire body including a central portion extending laterally for at least the distance of the width of the concrete form and a pair of attachment portions at opposite ends of the central portion. The attachment portions secure the fastener element to the outer walls of the concrete form.