Adjustable Beam With Pivot Connectors For Formwork Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional formwork systems require multiple wooden beams of varying lengths and configurations to span gaps between supporting beams, increasing labor, material costs, and waste due to the need for custom-cut beams to accommodate different sized and angled gaps.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable beam with pivotably coupled connectors that can be releasably coupled to neighboring supporting beams and other adjustable beams, allowing it to span gaps of different sizes and angles, providing a reusable solution that maintains a flush surface for horizontal support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wooden beams of varying lengths and configurations are used to span gaps between supporting beams, then the gaps can be accommodated, but labor and material costs increase and waste is generated due to the need for custom-cut beams
Solution Approach 1:
The beam incorporates a pivotable connector that allows the beam to dynamically adjust its angle and configuration to accommodate different gap sizes and orientations. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for multiple custom-cut beams, as a single standardized beam can be pivoted to various angles to fit different spacing requirements between supporting beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized beam design with the pivotable connector serves multiple functions: it can span various gap sizes, accommodate different angles, and be reused across multiple installation locations. This universal beam replaces the need for multiple specialized wooden beams, reducing both material costs and labor requirements for custom cutting and fitting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wooden beams are used to span gaps, then gap coverage is achieved, but material waste increases due to custom cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connector enables the standardized beam to adapt to different gap sizes through angular adjustment rather than physical cutting. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same beam to be reused multiple times with different spacing requirements, eliminating material waste from custom cutting while maintaining the ability to span various gap dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized beam with pivotable connector is designed for repeated use across multiple installation locations. Instead of discarding custom-cut beams after single use, this beam can be recovered, transported to another location, and reconfigured via the pivotable connector to accommodate different gap requirements, thereby recovering and reusing the same material repeatedly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple custom-cut wooden beams are used, then various gap configurations are accommodated, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connector provides a quick-adjustment mechanism that allows workers to reconfigure the beam for different gap configurations without time-consuming cutting operations. The beam can be rapidly pivoted to the required angle and locked into position, significantly reducing the labor time needed compared to measuring, marking, and cutting custom-length beams for each gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized beam serves as a universal component that can be deployed across multiple gap configurations without requiring custom fabrication. This eliminates the repetitive labor of cutting and fitting different beam sizes, as the same beam design handles all gap configurations through its pivotable connector, thereby reducing overall labor time and costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized beams without adjustment mechanisms are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to accommodate different gap sizes and angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connector is integrated into the standardized beam design, adding adaptability without compromising manufacturing simplicity. The connector consists of basic mechanical components (pivot point, connection interfaces) that can be incorporated into the standardized beam production process using conventional manufacturing methods, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling the beam to adjust to different gap sizes and angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam system is segmented into the standardized beam body and the separate pivotable connector component. This segmentation allows the beam itself to be manufactured in a simple, standardized manner, while the connector provides the necessary adaptability. The modular approach maintains manufacturing efficiency for the beam while adding adjustment capability through the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable beam may include an elongate member extending between a first end and a second end, a first connector pivotably coupled to the first end, and a second connector pivotably coupled to the second end. The first and second connectors each are configured to be releasably coupled to neighboring supporting beams and other adjustable beams.