Formwork Clamp With Segmented L-Arms and Threaded Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for securing shuttering panels are complex, costly, and require welding, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs, while also often necessitating additional anti-corrosion treatments.
Innovation Solution
A clamp comprising two identical L-shaped arms, an intermediate tubular support, and a threaded tensioning rod with a quick-fix butterfly nut, allowing for simple assembly and operation without welding, using pressing and cutting methods for manufacturing economy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional clamps are used for securing shuttering panels, then the panels can be secured together, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly due to welding requirements and additional anti-corrosion treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate modular components: L-shaped arms, intermediate support, threaded rod, and butterfly nut. These segments can be manufactured independently using pressing and cutting methods, then assembled without welding, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity and securing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The L-shaped arms combine positioning and securing functions, the intermediate support integrates articulation points, and the threaded rod with butterfly nut combines tensioning and locking functions, reducing the total number of parts and eliminating welding requirements
2Ease of operation
If clamps with multiple components are used, then the securing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped arms serve multiple functions: they provide the articulation point for rotation, define the intermediate space for the support, and carry the protuberances for engaging the shuttering panel profiles. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate support member is positioned within the space defined by the double parallel arms of the L-shaped members, creating a nested arrangement. This compact configuration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and simplifying the assembly of multiple components
3Strength
If welding is used in clamp manufacturing, then structural strength is achieved, but additional anti-corrosion treatments are required
Solution Approach 1:
Anti-corrosion surface treatment is applied to the sheet-metal members before assembly, preserving the treatment during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures corrosion protection is established before the members are put together, eliminating the need for post-assembly anti-corrosion treatments and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining clamp strength
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp uses simple sheet-metal members that can be manufactured economically by pressing and cutting. These components are designed to be replaced rather than repaired, and their simple construction eliminates the need for complex anti-corrosion treatments, reducing both manufacturing cost and process complexity
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 clamp is functionally efficient, economically constructed, and easy to apply, requiring minimal parts and no welding, thus reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for additional anti-corrosion treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement of the members 1 and 2 of the clamp is effected by means of the actuation of a threaded rod 17 on which acts a quick-action butterfly nut 18
Implementation Method 2
other types of clamps in which, for the arrangement of inclined planes, there are members which produce a compressing action between the adjacent members of the frames of two adjacent shuttering panels
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp including two mutually opposed substantially L-shaped members pivotably connected to an intermediate holder supporting the side profile sections of the panel frames to be secured, wherein one of the arms of each of the L-shaped members has a shaped end portion suitable for coupling to the sections to be secured, whereas the other arm of each of said L-shaped members is rotated by a mechanism built into the intermediate holder so as to open and close the L-shaped members of the clamp.