Diagonal Reinforcement Pivot Coupling for Formwork Props

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor formwork support structures require complex and costly solutions for coupling diagonal reinforcements, posing challenges for operators to reach high points safely and efficiently, often necessitating the use of ladders and increasing risk of accidents.

Innovation Solution

A diagonal reinforcement system with a tubular structure featuring a radially projecting pivot near the upper end, allowing easy rotation and insertion into prop holes, secured by adjustable clamps, eliminating the need for auxiliary equipment like ladders and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional coupling solutions are used for diagonal reinforcements, then the connection to high points on props is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is segmented into two functional parts: a simple receptacle integrated into the prop and a matching coupling element on the diagonal reinforcement. This segmentation allows each part to be simple while their combination achieves reliable coupling, avoiding the need for complex integrated coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the prop complex to accommodate coupling at high points, the solution inverts the approach by adding a simple receptacle to the prop and a matching coupling element to the reinforcement. This reverses the traditional design paradigm where the support structure bore the complexity burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If operators use ladders or climbing means to attach diagonal reinforcements at high points, then the coupling is achieved, but the risk of accidents and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidoperator safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element and receptacle are designed to interact at a height that brings the coupling operation within the operator's natural reach zone. By equating the coupling interface height with the operator's working level, the need for ladders or climbing equipment is eliminated, improving both safety and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Strength

If complex components or special structures are used for coupling diagonal reinforcements, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element and receptacle are designed to self-align and self-engage through their geometric features. The receptacle's shape and the coupling element's matching geometry automatically guide the connection process, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations, thereby maintaining strength while accelerating installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3327218B1Diagonal reinforcement for support structures for floor formwork and method for mounting same
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 SISTEMAS TECNICOS DE ENCOFRADOS SA
  • EP3327218B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327218B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3327218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a diagonal reinforcement for support structures for floor formwork, in which the support structure comprises height-adjustable struts on which diagonal reinforcements are mounted. According to the invention, each of the diagonal reinforcements is equipped with a projecting pivot close to or at the upper end thereof, the shape of the free end of said pivot being distorted on one side. The projecting pivot can be gradually inserted, by means of rotation, into one of the holes in the strut on which it is mounted and the reinforcement can be removed only by reversing the movement used to insert the pivot.