Formwork Adapter Nesting Crown Fingers for Bearer Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formwork support structures, such as crowns with upwardly directed fingers, are inadequate for supporting bearers and formwork sheets, limiting their versatility in concrete construction.

Innovation Solution

A formwork support structure comprising a single vertical member with a box-shaped adapter that securely nests between the fingers of a crown, providing indirect support for bearers and formwork panels, using a U-shaped support bracket with upwardly extending guides and securement means to prevent slippage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional crowns with upwardly directed fingers are used to support formwork, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to support different types of formwork (especially bearers and formwork sheets) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to support different formwork typesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a box-shaped mount that can nest between the fingers of traditional crowns while providing a flat top surface for supporting bearers and formwork sheets. This single adapter component enables the crown structure to support multiple types of formwork (aluminium pans, bearers with sheets, boards), making the system universal and multi-functional without requiring different crowns for different applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the traditional crown structure and the formwork support elements. The box-shaped mount nests between the crown fingers to provide stable attachment, while the flat top surface with bearer support mechanism mediates the connection to various formwork types, enabling indirect support that was not possible with crowns alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If indirect support for bearers is implemented using an adapter, then the versatility of the crown structure is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of crown structureVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter merges multiple functions into a single component: the box-shaped mount that attaches to the crown, the flat top surface for bearer placement, and the integrated support mechanism for formwork sheets. By combining these elements into one adapter unit rather than separate components, the design achieves versatility while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3114292B1A formwork support structure
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 FORM 700 PTI LTD
  • EP3114292B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3114292B1 patent drawingFigure 4~9
  • EP3114292B1 patent drawingFigure 10~14

AI summary

The present invention relates to an adapter for a formwork support structure comprising a formwork support of a first type, the adapter comprising a mount for positioning the adapter with respect to said formwork support of a first type, said mount supporting a formwork support of a second type. In one form, the mount positions the adapter with respect to a crown type formwork support, and the mount supports a bearer support portion.