Formwork Beam Movable Flap Seals Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork beams face issues with caps used to cover openings getting lost and forming obstacles during concrete wiping, leading to concrete penetration and difficulty in fastening, as they protrude above the surface and can become dislodged.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a movable, flexible flap that covers the openings, secured below the upper edge of the put on piece, reduces the likelihood of concrete penetration and avoids obstacles during concrete wiping, with stepped profiles for easy assembly and a recess for a toothed profile on the concrete slab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If caps are used to cover openings, then openings are sealed off, but caps protrude above surface and form obstacles during concrete wiping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static caps with a dynamic, movable flap that can change position based on operational needs. The flap is mounted on a hinge or pivot, allowing it to be positioned in different orientations - covering the opening during concrete pouring and moving aside during wiping operations, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible flap made of thin, deformable material that can conform to the opening and seal it effectively when closed, yet be easily moved when needed. This flexible structure provides reliable sealing without the rigidity and protrusion problems of traditional caps, facilitating easier concrete wiping
2Reliability
If caps are used to cover openings, then openings are sealed off, but caps can become dislodged and concrete can penetrate into hollow space
Solution Approach 1:
The movable flap design inherently reduces the risk of dislodgement compared to caps. The flap's hinge or pivot mounting provides stable attachment while allowing controlled movement, ensuring the sealing element remains in place during concrete pouring yet can be deliberately repositioned when needed, preventing unwanted concrete penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting mechanism (hinge or pivot) between the flap and the structure, which provides both secure attachment to prevent dislodgement and controlled mobility to allow the flap to function as an effective seal that can be positioned as needed, preventing concrete from penetrating into the hollow space
3Productivity
If base element and put on piece are attached rapidly, then assembly time is reduced, but secure attachment must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into distinct, pre-configured components with standardized interfaces. The base element and put on piece feature complementary geometric profiles that segment the assembly into simple, snap-fit or interlocking operations, enabling rapid attachment while maintaining secure connection through the distributed contact areas of the segmented interface
Data Source
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AI summary
A formwork beam for a formwork table, comprising a base element and a put on piece which is to be attached to the base element in a detachable manner, wherein the base element is provided with a foot member in order to rest upon the formwork table, which foot member comprises an oblique flank which descends from a longitudinal side of the put on piece, which formwork beam is produced from extruded aluminium with the foot member, and wherein openings which give access to a hollow space formed in put on piece are formed in an upper side of the put on piece, which openings are covered by a movable flap.