Formwork Panel Alignment Clamp With Wedge-Locked Tie Rod Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the construction industry, errors in connecting and aligning formwork panels can lead to structural damage and quality issues, particularly in larger structures.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising an alignment clamp sub-assembly with a base component and a tie rod sub-assembly is used to connect and align formwork panels, featuring slots for receiving a wedge and tie rod to ensure precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple panels are connected using various connecting mechanisms (pins and latches), then the panels can be joined together to form hollow spaces, but alignment errors may occur leading to structural damage and quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment clamp sub-assembly is designed to preliminarily align the panels before final connection. The base component with slots and the wedge mechanism pre-position the panels correctly, ensuring alignment is established before the tie rod sub-assembly secures the connection, preventing alignment errors that could lead to structural damage
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment clamp sub-assembly acts as an intermediary device between the panels and the tie rod connection. It provides a mediating mechanism that ensures proper alignment is transferred to the panels during connection, bridging the gap between rough positioning and precise alignment
2Volume of moving object
If multiple panels are connected to form larger structures, then the structure size increases, but any connection error may lead to falling of panels causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into distinct functional sub-assemblies: the alignment clamp sub-assembly for positioning and alignment, and the tie rod sub-assembly for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the alignment clamp ensuring proper positioning before the tie rod provides secure connection, thereby enhancing overall connection reliability in large-scale structures
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment clamp sub-assembly performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the tie rod sub-assembly executes the final securing action. This preliminary action ensures that panels are correctly positioned and aligned before being locked in place, preventing connection errors even in large-scale structures where errors could lead to panel failure
3Device complexity
If traditional connecting mechanisms are used, then assembly can be performed with simple components, but assembly time increases and quality consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment clamp sub-assembly and tie rod sub-assembly are merged into an integrated connector assembly that combines alignment and connection functions in a single unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment and connection operations, reducing assembly time while maintaining functional simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional device that simultaneously provides alignment, positioning, and connection capabilities. The base component with slots accommodates both the wedge for alignment and the tie rod for securing, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions and improve assembly efficiency
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 connector assembly provides robust, flexible, and cost-effective panel connections, reducing assembly time and ensuring high-quality structure formation with reduced risks.
Implementation Method 1
The base component includes a first slot adapted to receive a wedge in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
The base component includes a second slot adapted to receive a tie rod in a lateral direction
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment clamp sub-assembly (402) for connecting and aligning a pair of formwork panels (200) with each other is disclosed. The alignment clamp sub-assembly (402) includes a base component (502) to be disposed on a joint between a first formwork panel (200-1) and a second formwork panel (200-2). The base component (502) includes a first slot (504) formed on atop surface, and a second slot (508) formed on a front surface and adapted to receive a tie rod (406) in a lateral direction. The alignment clamp sub-assembly (402) includes a wedge (512) adapted to be received in a vertical direction in the first slot (504). The wedge (512) is inserted to lock the base component (502) on the joint and form the second slot (508) for receiving the tie rod (406).