Adjustable Formwork Sections for Reinforcement Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork elements for concrete construction are not versatile enough to accommodate different reinforcement diameters and spacings, requiring separate elements for each configuration, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A formwork element with a base section and bent formwork sections that can be adjusted to fit various reinforcement diameters and spacings, allowing for a single element to be used across multiple configurations by bending the sections to protrude vertically only where necessary, thus accommodating any distance between reinforcement elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If formwork elements are manufactured with fixed opening widths and spacings, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork element is divided into multiple individual formwork sections (2.S1, 2.S2, ... 2.Sn) that can be independently bent or left vertical. This segmentation allows the formwork to adapt to different reinforcement configurations while maintaining precise manufacturing of each individual section.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork sections are designed to be dynamically adjustable between two states: remaining vertical for openings that need to accommodate reinforcement, or being bent over to form the concrete surface. This dynamic capability allows a single formwork element to serve multiple reinforcement configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized formwork elements are produced for different reinforcement configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal formwork element design with multiple bendable sections can accommodate various reinforcement diameters and spacings. The same formwork element type can be used for different reinforcement configurations by selectively bending appropriate sections, eliminating the need for multiple specialized element types.
3Ease of operation
If formwork sections remain vertical, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to uncontrolled depression
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork sections transition from a vertical state during installation (easy to operate) to a bent-over state during concreting (stable and reliable). The selective bending of sections provides both ease of operation during placement and structural stability during the concrete pouring process.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A formwork element for concrete construction is described, comprising an elongated base element 1 with a longitudinal axis LA, designed for placement on a substrate, and a formwork element 2 extending over the entire length L of the base element 1. The formwork element 2 has a base section 2.B and a plurality of formwork sections 2.S1, 2.S2, 2.Sn of predetermined sizes. The base element 1 has a slot-like recess 3 for receiving the base section 2.B of the formwork element 2, the base section 2.B of the formwork element 2 being firmly connected to the base element 1 in the region of the slot-like recess 3 of the base element 1. The formwork sections 2.S1, 2.S2, 2.Sn of the formwork element 2 each form an angle of approximately 90° with the base section 2.B of the formwork element 2.