Detachable Formwork Beam Fastener With Constant Clamping Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for formwork beams, particularly I-shaped wooden, metal, or mixed beams, face challenges such as instability, loss of small parts, and variable tightening pressures, which affect the reliability and adaptability of the connections.

Innovation Solution

A detachable fastening system comprising a resilient one-piece structure with curved arms and a U-shaped bridge, which connects the upper and lower beams with pre-stressed components and friction-increasing protuberances, ensuring stable and controllable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a one-piece resilient structure with curved arms is used to connect two beams, then the tightening pressure becomes constant and controllable, but the device complexity increases compared to simple nailing systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightening pressure consistencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The one-piece resilient structure is divided into two functional curved arms that can be inserted separately into grooves on each beam, allowing independent positioning while maintaining constant tightening pressure through the resilient material's elastic properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient material's elastic modulus and geometric parameters of the curved arms are optimized to provide constant tightening pressure across varying assembly conditions, transforming the pressure from variable (nailing) to controlled and predictable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If small parts are used in the fastening device, then the adaptability to different beam configurations improves, but the risk of parts getting lost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidpart retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements (curved arms, tightening mechanisms, positioning features) are merged into a single one-piece resilient structure that is pre-assembled and cannot disassemble during construction, eliminating the risk of small parts being lost while maintaining adaptability through the curved arms' ability to accommodate different beam geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The one-piece structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing tightening pressure, positioning the beams, and adapting to different configurations, all while remaining as a single retained component rather than multiple small parts

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

3Strength

If metal beams are used instead of wooden beams, then the strength and durability improve, but the friction between beams decreases causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam strengthVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient one-piece structure acts as an intermediary element between metal beams, providing the necessary friction and grip through its curved arms that engage with grooves on the beam surfaces, compensating for the naturally low friction between metal surfaces while maintaining the strength benefits of metal construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system provides a stable, quick, and economical connection that is resistant to slippage and misalignment, with consistent tightening pressure independent of assembly force or position, suitable for metal or mixed beams.

Implementation Method 1

devices exist which usually comprise a one-piece structure made of a resilient material having two separated compression zones for simultaneous tightening in the support zones of the two beams to be connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the system having further means for increasing the friction between the lower beam and the upper beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3513017B1Detachable fastening system for two intersecting formwork beams
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 SISTEMAS TECNICOS DE ENCOFRADOS SA
  • EP3513017B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3513017B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3513017B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Detachable fastening system for two formwork beams, an upper beam, a lower beam, a device for connecting the upper beam to the lower beam. Said device comprises a resilient one-piece structure having two curved arms which connect zones intended to press one of said beams in support zones and zones intended to be fastened to the other beam, the system having connection means which connect the device to said beam such that it cannot be lost, and said device having the ability to slide relative to the beam to which it is fastened, the system having means for increasing the friction between the lower beam and the upper beam.