Adjustable Connection Device for Formwork Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shuttering and formwork blocks have limited width options, heavy weight, and non-adjustable spacers, which hinder the efficient installation and filling of concrete, especially for structures with varying widths and require significant handling effort, and do not accommodate different materials like plant fiber concrete for better insulation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable connecting device for shuttering or formwork blocks, comprising two elements with projecting notches and through openings, allowing elastic engagement and adjustable length, enabling the blocks to be assembled in various widths, reducing weight and transport volume, and facilitating the integration of reinforcing bars and different materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-width spacers are used in shuttering blocks, then manufacturing is simplified, but the blocks cannot accommodate varying wall widths and require multiple block types
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected in series to achieve different total widths. Each segment contains connection features that allow them to link together, enabling the spacer to be customized for various wall widths while maintaining a standardized basic unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable configuration. Connection elements such as pins, clips, or interlocking features allow the spacer segments to be assembled and disassembled, enabling the same spacer components to adapt to different width requirements throughout the construction process.
2Strength
If heavy mineral aggregate concrete is used for shuttering blocks, then structural strength is improved, but handling and transport become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttering block system is segmented into reusable external shells that can be separated from the temporary concrete filling material. This allows the permanent structural components to be made from lightweight materials while the temporary formwork function is provided by removable elements filled with concrete during construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition of the shuttering block components is changed from heavy mineral aggregate concrete to lightweight materials such as plastics, foams, or composite materials. This parameter change maintains the structural integrity needed for formwork while dramatically reducing the weight for handling and transport.
3Stability of the object's composition
If closed spacers are used in formwork blocks, then structural integrity is maintained, but filler material distribution is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The closed spacer structure is segmented to include openings, gaps, or removable sections that allow filler material to pass through and distribute evenly. These segmented features maintain the structural framework while creating channels for concrete or other filling materials to flow through during the filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements or intermediary components are introduced between the spacer segments that facilitate material flow. These intermediaries may include mesh screens, perforated sections, or temporary removable barriers that guide filler material distribution while maintaining overall structural integrity during construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-width block types are produced, then precise width coverage is achieved, but inventory complexity and storage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal spacer design with adjustable width capability replaces the need for multiple specialized spacer types. The same basic spacer component can be configured to provide different width measurements through modular segmentation or adjustable connection mechanisms, allowing a single product line to serve multiple width requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer system transitions from static fixed-width variants to a dynamic adjustable configuration. Connection features allow the spacer to be reconfigured on-site to match different width requirements, eliminating the need to stock multiple pre-configured block types and reducing inventory complexity.
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 adjustable device allows for lighter, more versatile blocks that can be easily assembled in multiple widths, reducing the number of blocks needed per square meter, optimizing transport and storage, and enabling better material distribution and handling, while accommodating various materials and reinforcing configurations.
Implementation Method 1
locking device of the elastic engagement type arranged at the level of at least one of the notches of the element in question
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention mainly relates to an adjustable connection device having two walls (20) for forming an assembly, comprising two elements (1) which are each provided with mutual assembly means, which assembly means comprise projecting notches (2, 3) and through-openings (4), the adjustable connection device being characterised in that the two elements (1) each comprise a locking device (5) which operates by resilient engagement and is arranged in at least one of the notches (2, 3) of the element (1) in question, which elements (1) can be mutually assembled and locked opposite each other in a removable manner by nesting at least one of the projecting notches (2, 3) which is provided with the locking device (5) of one of the elements (1) in one of the openings (4) of the other element (1), and by concomitant resilient engagement of the locking device (5) in the opening (4), in order to constitute a spacer which extends along a longitudinal axis and which is adjustable in terms of length.