Formwork Beam Fastener With Sliding Grip and Friction Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for formwork beams, particularly I-shaped wooden, metal, or mixed beams, face issues such as instability, loss of small parts, and variable tightening pressures, which affect the reliability and adaptability of the connections in complex construction geometries.
Innovation Solution
A detachable fastening system featuring a resilient one-piece structure with curved arms and a U-shaped bridge that connects intersecting beams, providing a failsafe attachment and increased friction through protuberances and elastic deformation, allowing for stable and adjustable connections between beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-piece resilient structure with curved arms is used to connect beams, then the connection stability and friction are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece resilient structure is divided into functional segments: curved arms for gripping, compression zones for tightening, and intermediate arms for connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes resilient material properties to create a composite structure that combines flexibility and strength. The resilient material allows the structure to deform elastically under load, providing stable connection while absorbing mechanical energy, thus improving reliability without requiring overly complex designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If small parts are used in the fastening device, then the adaptability to different beam configurations is improved, but the risk of part loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small functional parts (curved arms, compression zones, intermediate arms) are merged into a single one-piece resilient structure. This eliminates the risk of small parts getting lost during construction while maintaining the adaptability to different beam configurations through the integrated modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the curved arms provide gripping action, the compression zones provide tightening force, and the intermediate arms provide structural connection. This multi-functionality maintains adaptability to various beam configurations without requiring separate small components that could be lost.
3Strength
If metal beams are used with friction-based connection, then the structural strength is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates due to low friction
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient structure is pre-loaded to create initial compression force between the metal beams before any external loads are applied. This preliminary action establishes sufficient friction force to prevent slippage and maintain connection stability, allowing the full structural strength of metal beams to be utilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the friction parameter by applying continuous compression force through the resilient material. This increases the normal force between beam surfaces, thereby increasing the friction force (F = μN) to prevent slippage, while maintaining the high structural strength characteristics of metal beams.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual tightening with threaded bolts and nuts is used, then the adaptability to different positions is improved, but the tightening pressure becomes variable and less controllable
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient structure automatically adjusts and maintains optimal tightening pressure through its elastic properties. As the structure deforms to accommodate different beam positions and configurations, it self-regulates the compression force, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring consistent, controllable tightening pressure across all applications.
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 ensures secure, stable, and adjustable connections between beams, reducing the risk of slippage and part loss, while allowing for quick assembly and adaptability to various angles, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of formwork setups.
Implementation Method 1
a device for connecting the upper beam to the lower beam, in which said device comprises a resilient one-piece structure having two curved arms which connect zones intended to press on one of said beams in support zones and zones intended to be fastened to the other beam
Implementation Method 2
the system having means for increasing the friction between the lower beam and the upper beam
Data Source
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.