Adjustable Formwork Runner Holder with Wedge Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Standard formwork beams have a fixed length, which often requires cutting or overlapping to match the required length, leading to increased strut numbers and reduced space for operators, making it difficult to work in monolithic structures with small spans.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable runner holder with pressure means, featuring an oblique cut and wedge mechanism, allowing for continuous length adjustment between vertical structures, reducing the need for multiple struts and facilitating easier assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard fixed-length beams are used, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but the beams cannot adapt to varying required lengths without cutting or overlapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength adaptabilityVSAvoidbeam structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The runner holder is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing the beam to extend or retract to different lengths. The segmentation enables continuous length adjustment while maintaining a compact stored configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The runner holder transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic telescopic structure that can adjust its length. The telescopic mechanism allows the beam to dynamically adapt its length to match the required span between formworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If beams are cut to join them to achieve required length, then length precision is improved, but the number of struts increases and working space decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength precisionVSAvoidoperator working space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single telescopic runner holder can replace multiple fixed-length beams and struts. By adjusting its length, one universal beam can span different distances, eliminating the need for additional struts that would be required when using multiple shorter beams joined together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If overlapping beam positioning is used, then continuous support is achieved, but the number of struts increases and space between struts decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport continuityVSAvoidoperator passage difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic runner holder provides continuous support through its ability to dynamically adjust its length, eliminating the need for overlapping beams. The single adjustable beam can span the entire required distance without gaps, maintaining support continuity while freeing up working space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If multiple struts are used to support fixed-length beams, then structural support is ensured, but the passage of operators becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidoperator passage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic runner holder serves as a universal support element that can span varying distances without requiring multiple struts. By adjusting its length, a single runner holder can provide the necessary structural support across different spans, reducing the number of struts from three to two and improving operator passage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible use in various monolithic designs with reduced strut requirements, improving working conditions by allowing operators to work in tighter spaces with fewer obstacles and enabling faster construction assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure means according to the invention comprises an oblique cut at one or both of the ends of the runner holder which cut co-operates with a wedge of the pressure means in establishing the pressure on the horizontal structure or wall.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3604708B9Runner holder for formwork
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 SISTEMAS TECNICOS DE ENCOFRADOS SA
  • EP3604708B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3604708B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3604708B9 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a runner holder divided into a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a first end of the runner holder and the second part comprising a second end of the runner holder, opposite the first end, the first part having a projection inserted into an inlet of the second part, which projection can slide into the entrance such that the length of the runner holder can be adjusted. The runner holder further comprises at least one pressure means situated at the first end and/or the second end.