Acute-Angle Formwork Connector for Round Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of formwork for round buildings is time-consuming, expensive, and often requires skilled labor, as existing solutions are non-recyclable and specifically designed for each application, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A formwork connection device with a first and second coupling surface that allows panel formwork elements to be assembled into a substantially round shape, preventing concrete escape and enabling quick setup by untrained workers, using a stable connection mechanism and materials like wood, plastic, metal, or steel, with a predetermined angle that simplifies construction and allows for easy reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional formwork solutions are used for round buildings, then the formwork can be constructed, but the construction is time-consuming and requires skilled labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidlabor skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system is divided into modular panel formwork elements that can be assembled in different configurations. The connection device separates the coupling surfaces from the panel elements, allowing standardized panels to be connected in various arrangements to create round formwork, thereby reducing construction time and skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device with standardized coupling surfaces can be used for different panel configurations and angles, making it a universal solution for creating various shapes including round formwork. This multi-functional connection device eliminates the need for specialized formwork for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional formwork solutions are used for round buildings, then the formwork can be constructed, but it is expensive and non-recyclable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular panel formwork elements and connection devices can be disassembled and reused for different construction projects. The standardized coupling surfaces allow for easy reconfiguration and reuse of the same components, reducing material costs and promoting sustainability through recyclability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Shape

If panel formwork elements are pivoted relative to one another, then round shape can be formed, but concrete may escape through the gap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveround shapeVSAvoidconcrete containment
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device merges the sealing function with the structural connection function. The coupling surfaces are integrated with sealing elements that prevent concrete escape while simultaneously providing the mechanical connection needed to maintain the round shape and structural integrity of the formwork.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If complex formwork is constructed for round buildings, then the specific shape can be achieved, but great expenditure of time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape accuracyVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The panel formwork elements and connection devices are pre-manufactured with standardized dimensions and coupling surfaces. This preliminary preparation allows for quick on-site assembly without requiring complex on-site fabrication, thereby achieving precise round shapes while minimizing construction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2847397B1Formwork connecting device
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 UHL CHRISTIAN
  • EP2847397B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2847397B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP2847397B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

A formwork connecting device (1) is characterised in that the formwork connecting device (1) comprises a first coupling surface (2) and a second coupling surface (3) for coupling with frame formwork elements (4), in that the formwork connecting device (1) comprises a formwork surface (5) which adjoins the first coupling surface (2) and the second coupling surface (3), in that the first coupling surface (2) and the second coupling surface (3) enclose an angle α, and in that the angle α is an acute angle.