Adjustable Formwork Clamp with Ground Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete formwork props are cumbersome, ineffective, and difficult to use, adjust, and anchor, often leading to movement and tilting during concrete pours, and are not easily reusable or transportable.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable clamp system comprising a lower and upper elongate support member with a mounting member and anchor means, allowing for secure attachment to formwork and the ground, enabling easy compensation for formwork movement and maintaining vertical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wooden props are used to hold formwork, then the formwork can be supported during concrete pouring, but the props are difficult to adjust, not sturdy, and easily dislodged when accidentally kicked
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a telescopic adjustable mechanism that allows dynamic length adjustment of the support members. The upper and lower support members can be extended or retracted to accommodate different formwork heights and positions, enabling easy adaptation during installation while maintaining secure holding capability through the mounting members with attachment plates
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: upper support member, lower support member, mounting members with attachment plates, and anchor means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the mounting members provide secure attachment to formwork, the telescopic mechanism provides adjustment, and the anchor means provides ground anchoring, collectively solving the reliability-operability contradiction
2Reliability
If props are used to anchor formwork, then the formwork can be held in place, but the props take a long time to set up and take down, and are difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-assembled as an integrated unit with all components (support members, mounting members, anchor means) already connected. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site construction of the prop system, allowing workers to simply deploy pre-fabricated clamps to the formwork location and quickly install them, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining reliable anchoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated clamp unit: the support members provide structural support, the mounting members with attachment plates provide formwork anchoring, and the anchor means provide ground anchoring. This consolidation of functions into one unit eliminates the need for multiple separate components, reducing both setup time and storage complexity while maintaining comprehensive formwork anchoring capability
3Reliability
If multiple pegs are used to anchor props into the ground, then the props can be firmly anchored, but the device becomes more complex and requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor means is designed as a multi-functional component that serves dual purposes: it anchors the clamp to the ground and simultaneously provides a stable base for the lower support member. The mounting members with attachment plates similarly serve multiple functions by securing both the support members to the formwork and providing structural connection points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated anchor components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining firm ground anchoring
Data Source
AI summary
A formwork clamp comprising: a lower elongate support member having a head portion and a tail portion, the head portion adapted for attachment to a lower portion of formwork, an upper elongate support member having a head portion and a tail portion, the lower elongate support member and the upper elongate support member being attached relative to each other and movable relative to each other between a collapsed position where the lower elongate member is more towards or against the upper elongate member, and an extended use position where the head portion of the upper elongate member is spaced away from the lower elongate member, a mounting member attached to or forming part of the head portion of the upper elongate support member, the mounting member being attachable to an upper portion of the formwork, the upper elongate support member being adjustable in length, and anchor means to enable the formwork clamp to be anchored to the ground.