Ceiling Formwork Ramp Guide for Faster Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of moving slab formwork in bridge construction is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to poor accessibility for height adjustment, especially in edge areas with sloping walls, leading to increased costs and potential for errors.

Innovation Solution

A method involving first and second support devices with a collision protection element that guides the slab formwork to the concreting level, allowing simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement, eliminating the need for additional tools like jacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional jacks and props are used for height adjustment, then the slab formwork can be lifted to the concreting level, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming due to poor accessibility in edge areas with sloping walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of height adjustmentVSAvoidtime for shuttering operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The collision protection element automatically converts the horizontal movement of the slab formwork into vertical lifting action. As the slab formwork moves horizontally and contacts the inclined flank of the collision protection element, it is automatically guided upward to the concreting level without requiring manual intervention with jacks or props. The system serves itself by utilizing the movement energy to perform the lifting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The collision protection element acts as an intermediary between the horizontal movement of the slab formwork and the vertical lifting requirement. The inclined flank of the collision protection element mediates the conversion of horizontal displacement into vertical elevation, eliminating the need for separate lifting tools and simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple support devices are used to support the slab formwork, then the formwork can be properly positioned, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidnumber of support devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collision protection element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a collision barrier to protect the support device, an inclined plane to convert horizontal movement into vertical lifting, and a guiding element to ensure proper positioning of the slab formwork. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device configuration.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the slab formwork is manually lifted and adjusted using traditional tools, then the concreting level can be reached, but the cost increases due to labor intensity and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcreting level accuracyVSAvoidconcreting cycle efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically achieves the concreting level through the mechanical interaction between the slab formwork and the collision protection element. The inclined flank ensures that the slab formwork is lifted to the correct elevation during the horizontal movement, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and improving both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical system of jacks and props is replaced by a passive mechanical system where the collision protection element uses the kinetic energy of the moving slab formwork to perform the lifting action. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical lifting devices and manual operation, thereby improving productivity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

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

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 method simplifies and accelerates the lifting and setting up of slab formwork, reducing labor and time requirements while minimizing errors, by converting horizontal movement into vertical lifting using the collision protection element.

Implementation Method 1

the collision protection element forms a flank rising in the direction of displacement for guiding the slab formwork in the direction of displacement, and the end face of the slab formwork is raised to the concreting level, guided by the collision protection element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRamp mechanism: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP3762566B1Method for displacing a ceiling formwork, collision protection element, and ceiling formwork, supporting device and incremental launching device comprising such a collision protection element
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 PERI GMBH
  • EP3762566B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3762566B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3762566B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displacing a ceiling formwork (10) for a nearest concreting section (9), wherein first (11) and second (12) supporting devices for supporting the ceiling formwork (10) are arranged below the nearest concreting section (9). Said supporting devices each have a shuttering position (EP) and a stripping position (AP), wherein the ceiling formwork is raised to a concreting level in the shuttering position (EP) and lowered relative to the concreting level in the stripping position (AP). The first supporting device (11) is moved into the stripping position and the second supporting device is moved into the shuttering position, and a collision protection element (15, 15') is arranged between the second supporting device (12) and an end face (17, 17') of the ceiling formwork (10) when the end face (17, 17') of the ceiling formwork (10) strikes the second supporting device (12) after passing over the first supporting device (11), so that the collision protection element (15, 15') forms a flank (15a) rising in the displacement direction (VR) for guiding the ceiling formwork (10) in the displacement direction (VR). The end face (17, 17') of the ceiling formwork (10) is then lifted - guided by the collision protection element (15, 15') - to the concreting level so that the ceiling formwork (10) passes over the second supporting device (12).