Formwork Elements for Ceilings and Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current formwork systems require different levels of stability and materials for walls and ceilings, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies due to the need for separate, less stable formwork elements for ceilings, which are not suitable for withstanding the hydrostatic pressure of liquid concrete.

Innovation Solution

A system of formwork elements that combines large-area, relatively inexpensive elements for slabs with small-area, stable elements for walls, allowing for the connection of frames using clamps and additional carriers to enhance stability and reduce the number of required elements, while protecting panels from damage and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stable formwork elements with steel frames and close beam spacing are used for walls, then the formwork can withstand hydrostatic concrete pressure, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformwork stabilityVSAvoidformwork structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system is divided into different types of elements: stable formwork elements with steel frames for walls, and less stable formwork elements with wood frames for ceilings. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, using materials and structures appropriate to the load requirements of each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the formwork system have different stability requirements. Wall formwork requires high stability to withstand hydrostatic pressure, while ceiling formwork requires less stability since it only needs to support the weight of concrete. The patent applies appropriate stability characteristics locally to each formwork element based on its specific functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate formwork elements are used for walls and ceilings, then each element can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of required elements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformwork element suitabilityVSAvoidnumber of formwork elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a system that includes both stable formwork elements suitable for walls and less stable formwork elements suitable for ceilings. While these are separate element types, the system as a whole provides universal coverage for different construction needs, with each element type being optimized for its primary function while the system integrating both types to handle diverse formwork requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If large-area formwork elements are used for ceilings, then fewer elements are needed, but they cannot withstand the pressure from liquid concrete in walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidformwork pressure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system is segmented into different element types with different stability characteristics. Large-area formwork elements with wood frames are used for ceilings where only weight support is required, maximizing construction efficiency. Separate stable formwork elements with steel frames are used for walls where hydrostatic pressure resistance is critical, ensuring reliability under high pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2037057B1Formwork elements for ceilings and method
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 HUENNEBECK GMBH
  • EP2037057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2037057B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2037057B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The system has a formwork element (1) for producing a cover, and another formwork element (2) for producing a concrete wall. The formwork element (1) has larger area when compared to the formwork element (2) and has length greater than 2.70 meter in particular greater than 4 meter. A minimum distance between frame side members or between cross beams of the formwork element (2) is smaller than that of the formwork element (1). The formwork element (1) has a folding unit to which supports for placing the formwork elements are fastened. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a cover.