Adjustable Concrete Formwork Panel for Fast Curvature Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formworks for producing concrete products with curved profiles, such as tunnel linings, are costly, time-consuming to set up, and prone to faults, as they require specialized construction for each project and often incorporate complex and expensive mechanisms for adjusting curvature.

Innovation Solution

A formwork system featuring a structural supporting beam and a panel connected by an adjustment device that allows simultaneous movement of intermediate and edge points to vary the panel's curvature, using mechanical drive mechanisms to distribute forces and achieve desired shapes without the need for complex control systems or electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rigid intermediate elements or threaded bars are used to give fixed curvature to panels, then the panel achieves a specific curved shape, but the formwork cannot be re-utilized for different projects and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of formworkVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system employs movable and adjustable components instead of fixed rigid structures. The panel support system allows dynamic repositioning and reconfiguration of panels at different locations along the arch, enabling the same formwork to adapt to various tunnel profiles and curvature requirements across different projects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The formwork is divided into modular segments including multiple panels that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of the arch structure by repositioning individual panels to different locations, facilitating rapid setup for different project specifications without requiring complete formwork replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic pistons or electric motors with control systems are used to vary panel curvature, then the formwork can adapt to different profiles, but production costs and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex hydraulic or electromechanical curvature adjustment systems with a simpler mechanical panel repositioning system. Instead of using actuators to bend panels, the system uses movable supports and positioning mechanisms that allow panels to be physically relocated to different positions along the arch structure, achieving profile adaptation through mechanical reconfiguration rather than active control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The formwork employs simpler, more robust mechanical components that are easier and cheaper to manufacture and maintain compared to hydraulic or electromechanical systems. The design prioritizes durability and ease of replacement over precision control, using straightforward mechanical linkages and positioning devices that can be quickly serviced or replaced if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If threaded bars are manually adjusted to achieve desired panel curvature, then the panel can be shaped, but a considerable amount of time is wasted in the adjustment process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel curvature precisionVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Panels are pre-positioned on movable supports that can be quickly relocated along the arch structure. Instead of manually threading and adjusting individual bars during setup, the system allows panels to be rapidly moved to their correct positions using the adjustable support mechanism, significantly reducing the time required to achieve the desired curvature configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The formwork incorporates dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow rapid adjustment of panel locations. The movable supports can be quickly repositioned along the arch structure, enabling fast reconfiguration of the panel arrangement to match different tunnel profiles without the time-consuming process of manual thread bar adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3583297B1Formwork for producing concrete products
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SOINTEK S R L
  • EP3583297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3583297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3583297B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a form work (1) for producing concrete products comprising at least one supporting beam (10) with an axis of extension (X), at least one panel (20) bendable around a transverse direction (Y) with respect to the axis and at least one adjustment device (30) adapted to connect the panel (20) to the beam (10) and to vary the curvature of said panel (20) between a flat undeformed condition and curved condition, where the outer surface (23a) is convex or, if necessary, concave, wherein said adjustment device (30) is connected at least at one intermediate point (24a, 24b) of the panel and at least at one edge point (25a, 25b), positioned at a lateral edge (22a, 22b) substantially parallel to the direction of curvature (Y), in order to simultaneously move said points to vary the curvature of the outer surface (23 a) of said panel.