Climbing Formwork Beam Guide Pins for Jam-Free Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting and guiding devices for climbing formwork beams are impractical due to jamming issues with extractable pegs and insecure chain connections, as well as difficult rotation of jaws, leading to malfunctions and inefficiencies in use.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring snap-action guiding pins with helical springs and dowels allows for easy activation and alignment with the beam, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms and reducing the risk of jamming, with a secure and rapid fastening system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extractable pegs are used to block jaw rotation, then the device can guide the beam during vertical translation, but the pegs can encounter obstructions or get jammed during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extractable peg component entirely from the system. Instead of using a removable peg to block jaw rotation, the design employs a fixed pin attached to the support that continuously engages with the jaw, eliminating the extraction operation and associated jamming risks while maintaining the guiding function throughout the beam's vertical translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the blocking function from the guiding function by using a fixed pin structure that is integrated into the support rather than being a separate extractable component. This segmentation allows the blocking function to be permanently integrated while the guiding function remains operational throughout the full range of motion.
2Reliability
If jaws are used to guide the beam during vertical translation, then the beam can be properly guided, but the inertia of the jaws makes their rotation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the movable jaw component entirely and replaces it with a fixed pin structure. This eliminates the rotational movement requirement and the associated inertia problems, while the pin continues to provide the necessary guiding function by maintaining a fixed reference point for the beam during vertical translation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using movable jaws that rotate to guide the beam, the patent inverts the approach by using a fixed pin that remains stationary while the beam moves. This inversion transforms the guiding mechanism from an active moving component to a passive fixed reference, eliminating rotational inertia issues.
3Reliability
If multiple parts are used in the device (pegs, chains, jaws), then the guiding function can be achieved, but the device becomes difficult to use and subject to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple components from the system: the extractable pegs, the chains connecting the pegs to the support, and the movable jaws. Only the essential fixed pin structure remains, dramatically reducing the number of parts and potential failure points while maintaining the core guiding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the blocking function and the guiding function into a single integrated fixed pin structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components (pegs, chains, and jaws) and reduces the overall device complexity to the minimum necessary elements.
4Ease of operation
If the peg is connected to the support by a chain, then the peg can be extracted, but the connection is not secure and the peg can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extractable peg and its chain connection entirely. The fixed pin is permanently attached to the support structure, eliminating the need for secure connections and the risk of losing components. The pin remains in place throughout all operations, providing continuous guidance without extraction or reattachment.
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 device enables rapid and secure coupling and decoupling of the beam, ensuring efficient and reliable operation without jamming, improving usability and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
guiding pins (15) which can be activated by snap action transversely on opposite sides with respect to said beam
Implementation Method 2
a dowel (21) which extends at right angles from the pin (15) at the end of the helical spring (19)
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting and guiding device for a climbing formwork beam and to such beam, comprising a supporting body to be coupled to a building structure, with which supporting means for the beam are associated, and at least one pair of guiding pins for the beam which can be activated by snap action transversely on opposite sides with respect to the beam and are adapted to be arranged in front of portions thereof.