Ceiling Formwork Grid Elements with Offset Crossbeams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling formwork systems are limited in their ability to adjust dimensions both longitudinally and transversely without complex assembly and disassembly processes, and they often require separate handling of longitudinal and transverse supports, which complicates the achievement of individual, non-grid-bound dimensions.

Innovation Solution

The system integrates longitudinal and transverse supports with rigid connections, using standard and transverse compensation grate elements with offset crossbeams to allow for adjustable dimensions in both directions, reducing the number of parts to handle and simplifying assembly by enabling interlocking without collision between crossbeams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate bars are used to connect longitudinal beams to form grid elements, then the longitudinal beams can be positioned relative to one another, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The crossbeams are integrated directly onto the longitudinal beams through rigid connection, merging two separate components (longitudinal beams and crossbeams) into a single grid element unit. This eliminates the need for separate connection bars, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining precise positioning through the rigid connection itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If crossbeams are mounted separately on vertical supports, then assembly can be performed in stages, but the number of handling operations increases and assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By pre-assembling the crossbeams onto the longitudinal beams to form complete grid elements before installation, the system reduces the number of separate handling operations. Each grid element is installed as a single unit, eliminating the need to separately position and connect crossbeams and longitudinal beams during assembly, thereby improving assembly speed without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the longitudinal beams are not firmly connected to the crossbeams, then adjustment in the longitudinal direction can be made through interlocking, but the structural stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standardized grid elements with rigid internal connections that can be segmented and reconfigured. The rigid connection within each grid element ensures structural stability, while the modular nature of the grid elements themselves allows for adjustable configurations through interlocking, achieving both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If standard grid elements are used throughout, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the ability to achieve individual dimensions outside grid dimensions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddimensional flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs adjustable connection mechanisms that allow grid elements to be dynamically reconfigured. While the grid elements themselves are standardized for easy manufacturing, the adjustable connections enable the creation of various overall dimensions by varying the number and arrangement of elements, thus achieving dimensional flexibility without compromising manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1899553B1Ceiling formwork system
Publication Date: 2015.12.09 PERI GMBH
  • EP1899553B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1899553B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1899553B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a ceiling formwork system comprising several grid elements, each of which is composed of a plurality of parallel longitudinal beams and at least one transversal beam that can be mounted or placed on vertical supports and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal beams. The longitudinal and transversal beams of the grid elements are rigidly interconnected. Standard grid elements are provided with two transversal beams in the opposite terminal areas of the longitudinal beams while transversal compensating grid elements are fitted with two transversal beams which are offset towards the inside in relation to the standard grid elements.