Adjustable Concrete Formwork Frame Assembly for Safe Stripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing formwork from cured concrete surfaces are time-consuming and hazardous due to adherence issues, requiring manual prying which is inefficient and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with adjustable foot assemblies that allow for fine adjustment and retraction, enabling the formwork to be unsupported by the frame and fall away from the concrete surface under its own weight, facilitated by a combination of telescopic legs and hydraulic actuators for easy positioning and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual prizing is used to remove formwork from cured concrete surfaces, then the formwork can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system uses self-weight through adjustable foot assemblies to automatically strip the formwork from the concrete surface. The feet are adjusted to extend beyond the supporting surface, creating a lever arm that allows the combined weight of the formwork and frame assembly to pry the formwork away from the concrete without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable foot assemblies are positioned to create a mechanical advantage where the formwork system's own weight is efficiently converted into the prying force needed for removal. By adjusting the foot extension, the system optimizes the leverage to achieve automatic stripping using the available gravitational force.
2Ease of operation
If traditional scaffolding is used to support formwork, then the formwork can be supported during concrete pouring, but the removal process requires additional equipment and manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable foot assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide stable support during the concrete pouring phase by contacting the supporting surface, and then transform into stripping tools during removal by extending beyond the surface to create leverage. This eliminates the need for separate removal equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot assemblies are designed to be dynamically adjustable between two primary states: a supported position where feet contact the surface for stable formwork support during pouring, and a stripping position where feet extend beyond the surface to enable automatic formwork removal. This dynamic adaptability simplifies the overall system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the formwork is securely attached to the frame assembly, then the formwork remains stable during concrete pouring, but the adherence to cured concrete makes removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the formwork attachment function from the removal mechanism allows the formwork to remain securely attached to the frame during pouring while the adjustable foot assemblies provide the removal capability. The feet can be independently adjusted and positioned to facilitate stripping without affecting the formwork-frame connection.
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
This solution allows for efficient and safe stripping of formwork from cured concrete surfaces, reducing manual labor and hazards, while enabling easy repositioning for further concrete casting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one adjustable foot assembly associated with at least one of the legs, the or each adjustable foot assembly being adapted to selectively extend or retract relative to its associated leg or legs
Implementation Method 2
retracting each foot relative to its respective leg until the formwork is unsupported by the frame assembly and may fall away from the cured concrete under the effect of the combined weight of the formwork and frame assembly
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a frame for use with formwork to support the formwork for concrete casting and for stripping formwork from a concrete surface. The formwork is secured to the frame assembly such that the level at which the formwork is supported by the framework is adjustable so as to be movable between at least a first level above a floor surface selected for concrete casting, and a second level where the formwork is either away from the cured concrete (i.e. stripped) or unsupported by the frame assembly. The disclosure provides a means of both supporting formwork during concrete casting as well as a means of stripping the formwork after the concrete is cast. An associated method is also disclosed.