Bracket Assembly with Movable Support Carriages for Concrete Slabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming elevated concrete slabs require extensive scaffolding and formwork support, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially in terms of reusing formwork components after concrete curing, as they often leave the slab unsupported until fully self-supporting, and do not allow for continuous beam support to distribute weight evenly.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly with movable support carriages that pivot to secure formwork panels during concrete casting and can be lowered post-curing, allowing formwork removal without disturbing slab-supporting hardware, enabling reuse of formwork panels and maintaining continuous beam support for the slab until fully cured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional scaffolding and formwork support methods are used, then the concrete slab can be supported during curing, but the formwork components cannot be easily removed and reused, and the system is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into distinct functional components: the bracket assembly with movable carriages separates the formwork support function from the slab support function. This allows the formwork panels to be removed and reused while the bracket assemblies remain in place to continue supporting the cured slab, resolving the contradiction between reusability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carriages are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned to support formwork panels during construction and then moved or removed after curing. This dynamic capability enables the formwork to be reused while maintaining slab support, addressing the reusability versus complexity contradiction
2Productivity
If formwork is removed early to enable reuse, then resource utilization improves, but the concrete slab may lack sufficient support during the curing period
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assemblies are pre-installed and positioned before concrete pouring, and the carriages are pre-configured to support the formwork panels. After curing, the carriages can be moved or removed without compromising slab support because the bracket assemblies remain in place. This preliminary positioning enables early formwork removal for reuse while maintaining structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assemblies act as an intermediary between the formwork panels and the concrete slab. They provide continuous support to the slab even after formwork removal, enabling early reuse of formwork panels while maintaining reliable structural support during the critical curing period
3Strength
If extensive scaffolding is used to support formwork, then the slab can be properly supported, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires more materials and time for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The essential support function is extracted from the temporary scaffolding system and embodied in the permanent bracket assemblies that remain attached to the slab. This eliminates the need for extensive temporary scaffolding and its time-consuming assembly and disassembly, while maintaining adequate support capacity through the retained bracket assemblies
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 efficient removal and reuse of formwork panels while ensuring continuous beam support for the concrete slab, reducing the number of required panels and minimizing stress concentration points, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
each side portion terminates in a hinge that pivotably connects a respective support carriage to the body so that each support carriage can pivot between the upper and lower positions
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
This invention relates to a bracket assembly for a hardware assembly for forming an elevated concrete slab or the like, the bracket assembly comprising a body securable to a supporting structure and a load bearing support carriage which depends from the body and is movable between at least upper and lower positions relative to the body whilst depending therefrom. An associated hardware assembly and method of use thereof are also disclosed.