Adjustable Formwork Core for Bell-Shaped Concrete Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional formwork cores with inwardly retractable side formwork elements are complex and costly, making them difficult to adapt for casting bell-shaped bodies of different dimensions, limiting their reuse and increasing costs when producing varied concrete parts.
Innovation Solution
A formwork core design featuring pivoted levers and adjustable corner supports with corner connection panels and brackets that can be easily extended or retracted, allowing for quick adjustment of dimensions by varying the distance between corner supports and using insertable side panels, enabling the formwork core to be adapted for different widths and lengths without modifying expensive structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional shrink cores with inwardly retractable side formwork elements are used, then the formwork core can be detached from the finished concrete part, but the construction becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork core is divided into a base unit and multiple extendable side panels. The side panels can be independently extended or retracted relative to the base unit, allowing the formwork to adapt to different dimensions while maintaining a simple base structure that can be reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels are designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable through telescopic mechanisms. This allows the formwork core to change its dimensions adaptively - extending when needed to match the concrete part dimensions, and retracting for easy removal and storage, without requiring complete reconstruction.
2Device complexity
If conventional shrink cores with fixed dimensions are used, then the structure can be simplified, but the formwork core cannot be reused for bell-shaped bodies of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels incorporate telescopic extension mechanisms that allow them to dynamically adjust their length. This enables the same simplified base structure to accommodate bell-shaped bodies of various dimensions by simply extending or retracting the side panels, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal component that can support multiple configurations. By combining the simple base with adjustable side panels, a single formwork core can serve multiple purposes for different project requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized formwork cores.
3Productivity
If conventional shrink cores are used for producing varied concrete parts, then production can proceed, but costs increase due to inability to reuse expensive formwork core components
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the formwork core into a durable reusable base and adjustable side panels, the expensive structural components can be retained and reused across multiple projects. Only the side panels need adjustment or replacement, minimizing economic loss while maintaining production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal base unit can be reused for producing various bell-shaped bodies of different dimensions. This multi-functionality allows a single investment in expensive structural components to serve multiple production needs over time, significantly reducing per-unit costs and economic loss.
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
Enables easy adaptation of the formwork core to various dimensions, reducing costs and extending the reuse of complex components, allowing for efficient production of bell-shaped bodies with different dimensions without the need for new, expensive parts.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling mechanism comprises a plurality of pivoted levers. Vertical movement of a horizontal element causes the vertical elements to move inwards in such a manner that the distance between the opposite vertical elements is reduced.
Implementation Method 2
two corner supports each are releasably attached in variable distance to a common base frame. The corner supports each carry two corner connection panels, which are arranged perpendicular to each other and are synchronously retractable and extendable
Data Source
AI summary
A formwork core for a formwork system for concreting a bell body including a base frame and two corner supports detachably fastened at a variable distance. The corner supports each bear two corner connection panels, which are arranged at a right angle to each other around the corner and can be synchronously retracted and extended without touching each other. The corner supports also bear corner angle pieces, which likewise can be retracted and extended and, in the completely extended state, close the gap between the two associated corner connection panels in order to form a vertical outer shell of the formwork core. The vertical edges of the corner connection panels, which vertical edges are distant from the corner, have screw flanges facing inward. Optionally, at least one side formwork panel can be inserted between the corner connection panels one side.