Formwork Panel Support Latching Mechanism for Climbing Brackets

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing formwork panel support systems on climbing brackets are cumbersome to install and secure, particularly due to the reliance on friction, which can lead to shifting during concrete pouring and vibration, and require tools for positioning and latching.

Innovation Solution

A formwork panel support system with a latching element, such as a latching pin or wedge, that allows for easy sliding and secure fixation on the upper leg of the climbing bracket, enabling tool-free positioning and latching, with mechanisms like springs and actuating rods for automatic engagement and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the shuttering plate carrier is held in position solely by friction on the bracket, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of positioning deteriorates as the carrier may shift during concrete pouring and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mechanism complexityVSAvoidpositioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide shoe is designed with an automatic latching mechanism that engages with the bracket traverse without requiring external tools or manual intervention. The indexing pin automatically snaps into engagement holes as the guide shoe is moved into position, providing self-servicing positioning that maintains reliability while keeping the device simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical holding system with a positive engagement latching system. Instead of relying on friction between the carrier and bracket, the indexing pin mechanically engages with engagement holes in the traverse, providing reliable positioning that resists shifting during concrete pouring and vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the guide shoe is moved manually over the edge of the crown, then the ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of positioning increases due to the awkward location below the crown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidpositioning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The guide shoe incorporates an automatic latching mechanism that engages with the bracket traverse without requiring external tools or manual intervention. The indexing pin automatically snaps into engagement holes as the guide shoe is moved into position, providing self-servicing positioning that simplifies operation despite the awkward location below the crown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a wedge is used to hold the shuttering plate carrier, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability deteriorates as the wedge may fail under the mass of liquid concrete and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation mechanism complexityVSAvoidfixation strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based wedge holding system with a positive engagement latching system. The indexing pin mechanically engages with engagement holes in the traverse, providing reliable fixation that resists the forces from liquid concrete mass and vibration, while maintaining minimal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the critical positioning function from the complex friction-based wedge system and implements it through a simple indexing pin that engages with holes in the traverse. This extraction creates a more reliable fixation mechanism that is less prone to failure under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the locking pin is firmly connected to the guide shoe, then the reliability of latching is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as tools are required for positioning and latching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching reliabilityVSAvoidtool-free operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide shoe is designed with an automatic latching mechanism that engages with the bracket traverse without requiring external tools or manual intervention. The indexing pin automatically snaps into engagement holes as the guide shoe is moved into position, providing self-servicing latching that maintains reliability while enabling tool-free operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides a secure, tool-free, and efficient method for positioning and latching formwork panels on climbing brackets, ensuring stability during concrete pouring and vibration, and reducing installation difficulties.

Implementation Method 1

a spring is arranged on one side of the guide shoe, the force of which moves the guide shoe back into the horizontal latching position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The shuttering plate girder is held in the working position with a wedge solely by friction on the bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3848532A1Formwork plate holder assembly and method for positioning same on a bracket
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 ALBANESE PINO
  • EP3848532A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3848532A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3848532A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The formwork panel support (11), which is slidably mounted on the crossbeam (3) of a climbing bracket (1), is fixed to the crossbeam (3) by a locking element that penetrates the guide shoe (13). The locking element (35) is designed such that increasing the force on the formwork held by the formwork panel support also strengthens the fixation to the upper crossbeam (3).