Compact Formwork System with Integrated Attachment Hook
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork systems face limitations in height due to the fresh concrete load, and they often suffer damage during assembly and transportation, leading to reduced service life and increased inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact formwork system with an integrated attachment hook, reinforced lower area, and built-in connecting lock, which allows for secure transportation, efficient assembly, and enhanced load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the formwork system uses standardized metal frames with plywood or plastic sheathing, then the system achieves modular dimensions and ease of assembly, but the lower area lacks sufficient strength to handle high fresh concrete loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by reinforcing only the lower area of the formwork frame where the highest loads occur due to hydrostatic pressure of fresh concrete. The reinforcement includes additional diagonal braces and thicker metal framing specifically in the lower section, while the upper sections maintain standardized thinner profiles. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary strength without requiring the entire frame to be oversized, maintaining modular assembly benefits while addressing the specific weakness in the lower area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate locks are used to connect formwork elements, then the connection mechanism is specialized for the formwork system, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function into the frame structure itself by integrating locking mechanisms directly into the角 connectors and frame joints. Instead of separate loose locks, the framing members incorporate built-in lugs, pins, and interlocking features that automatically engage when panels are assembled. This integration reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining secure connections between formwork elements.
3Weight of moving object
If cranes are used to lift and position formwork, then heavy frames can be handled, but the attachment hooks may damage the external formwork frame during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing internal reinforcement frames and structural supports inside the external formwork frame. These internal structures serve as the actual load-bearing elements during lifting operations, with crane attachment points connected to the internal framework rather than the external skin. This nested configuration allows the external frame to maintain its formwork function while the internal structure handles the mechanical stresses of lifting and transport, preventing damage to the external framing.
4Stability of the object's composition
If inclined supports are used to make formwork plumb and prevent tipping, then stability is improved, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating pre-assembled stabilizing features directly into the formwork panels during manufacturing. These include built-in plumb lines, integrated alignment guides, and pre-positioned bracing attachments that are factory-installed on the frame members. When the formwork is assembled on-site, these pre-prepared features automatically provide stability and alignment guidance, eliminating the need for separate inclined supports and reducing the complexity of on-site assembly while maintaining formwork stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a compact formwork system, in the form of interconnected panels 19 consisting of an openwork external formwork frame 1, internal transverse beams 4 attached thereto and a cladding 18, made of profiled steel sections. It is characterized by the fact that inside an external formwork frame 1 there is located axially an internal formwork frame 2, to which a movably adjustable assembly support 3 is attached in the upper part, to the rear part of walls of the internal formwork frame 2, the side opposite to the side with the sheathing 18, and above it, in the structure of the internal formwork frame 2, an attachment hook 6 is also movably attached. The attachment hook 6 consists of a tilting hook beam 24 mounted in a pivoting manner between the supporting profiles of the internal formwork frame 2 and an attachment hook eye 23 placed in its upper part. The attachment hook beam 24 is mounted in a pivoting manner on a pivot 22 and equipped with a cotter pin 21. The attachment hook eye 23 is mounted rotationally at the top of the attachment hook beam 24 and is equipped with a spring 20. The distance between the attachment hook 6 and the integral mounting support 3 is such that there is no overlap between the two elements. Vertically, between the internal transverse beams 4, beams 5 are permanently fixed in a decreasing number on each layer of internal beams 4, starting from the bottom of the external formwork frame 1. On the horizontal fragment of the internal formwork frame 1, a connecting lock 7 is mounted permanently having the form of a shaped piece 17 attached in an articulated manner on the external formwork frame 1, terminated with an articulated jaw 25 and a pressure element 28. The adjustable assembly support 3 contains tubular load-bearing profiles 8 - external and internal 8a, 8b, symmetrically moulded on both sides, so that at least a pin mounting mould 11 and a guiding mould 12 are formed in the surface of the tubular load-bearing profiles 8a, 8b, with the load-bearing profiles 8a, 8b having a reduced diameter at their ends. Into the interior of the tubular support profiles 8a, 8b, screw elements 10 with external threads 9 are inserted symmetrically, so that a screw element 10 with a right-hand thread 9a is inserted into one end of the support profile 8 ends, and a screw element 10 with a left-hand thread 9b is inserted into the other end of the tubular support profile 8. Screw elements 10 with external threads 9 on one end feature a joint 13 with a through opening 14. Onto the right-hand thread 9a and the left-hand thread 9b of the screw element 10 with an external thread 9 are screwed thread sleeves 16, right-hand thread 16a and left-hand thread 16b, respectively, and each threaded sleeve 16, at its end not connected with a threaded element 16a, 16b, features an opening 15 for mounting the assembly foot 29. The subject of the invention is also a method of assembly of a compact formwork system, which according to the invention consists of the stages of lifting the attachment hook 6, attaching the panel 19 using the attachment hook 6 to a sling hook, moving the panel 19 to the intended site, making the panel 19 plumb at the intended site and connecting several panels 19 together. It is characterized in that the: attachment hook 6 spring 20 always sets the attachment hook ear 23 in the retracted position. In the resting position the attachment hook beam 24 and the attachment eye 23 are entirely within the space of the internal formwork frame 1, without protruding beyond its plane. After connecting the sling hook to the attachment hook eye 23, as lifting is performed, the spring 20 resistance is overcome and the attachment hook eye 23 rotates until it reaches a position above the top of the external formwork frame 1. A thus suspended panel 19 remains in a vertical position. When the panel 19 is made plumb in its intended site, the integral mounting support 3 is released and secured to the surface using a mounting foot 29, and individual panels 19 are connected by moving the connecting lock 7 shaped piece and pressing in with a pressure screw of a pressure element 28. In case mounting platforms or other accompanying equipment are mounted on the side opposite the cladding 18, the attachment hook beam 24 is tilted to the selected position and secured with a cotter pin 21. This will result in a shift in the centre of gravity of the suspended formwork and equipment assembly, allowing the formwork frame to remain vertical.