Corner Formwork Wedge Joint for Easy Panel Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner formwork systems are difficult to disassemble after concrete setting, often requiring excessive force or breaking components to separate panels, hindering reuse.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an elongated wedge-shaped intermediary element with oblique faces and gripping jaws that allow for easy assembly and disassembly by creating a space between longitudinal edges, using screw and nut assemblies or alternative joining elements to secure components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If panels and corner elements are joined directly with detachable joining elements, then assembly is simple and direct, but disassembly becomes extremely difficult after concrete setting, often requiring breaking components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wedge-shaped intermediary element positioned between the panel and corner element. This intermediary wedge creates a mechanical leverage system that allows gripping jaws to apply force indirectly, enabling easy disassembly without direct contact between the panel and corner element during removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork system is divided into distinct segments: panels, corner elements, wedge-shaped intermediaries, and gripping jaws. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the gripping jaws able to engage separate recesses in each component to facilitate controlled disassembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If panels are confined between two nearby corner elements for structural stability, then formwork integrity is improved, but removal of panels becomes extremely difficult, requiring excessive force or breaking components
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped intermediary elements act as mechanical levers positioned between the corner elements and panel. When gripping jaws apply force to the wedges, the wedge geometry amplifies this force and redirects it to progressively separate the panel from the corner elements, enabling removal without excessive force or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked configuration during concreting to a dynamic disassembly configuration. The wedge-shaped intermediaries enable progressive separation through controlled movement, allowing the panel to be gradually released from between the corner elements without sudden force applications.
3Device complexity
If direct contact between longitudinal edges of panel and corner element is used, then joining is straightforward, but component reuse is hindered due to damage from excessive removal force
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped intermediaries serve as protective intermediaries during the disassembly process. By positioning these wedges between the gripping jaws and the corner elements/panel, the system distributes and controls the applied forces, preventing damage to the main structural components and enabling their reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the wedge-shaped intermediaries and gripping jaws are the sacrificial or consumable elements, while the valuable corner elements and panels are recovered intact for reuse. The intermediaries absorb the mechanical stress of disassembly, allowing the main formwork components to be recovered without damage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a corner formwork system, comprising: - a flat flat panel (1) on its formwork face, - an elongated corner element (2), with an L-shaped section and a longitudinal edge to be positioned adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the flat panel (1), and - an elongated wedge-shaped intermediary element (3). The longitudinal edge of the elongated corner element (2) and/or of the flat panel (1) comprises an oblique face (2a) that, when both longitudinal edges are positioned adjacent, a space is defined between them. The elongated wedge-shaped intermediary element (3) is configured to be removably inserted into such a space, from a region adjacent to the inner sides (2i, 1 i) of the elongated corner element (2) and of the flat panel (1), being trapped between its longitudinal edges.