Building Formwork Component with Ramp Surfaces for Snap-Lock Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building formwork components face challenges in providing a secure, waterproof, and efficient method for constructing walls with cementitious materials, as they often result in leaks and require complex reorientation and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The building formwork component features integral flanges and grooves with ramp surfaces for snap-locking engagement, webs to inhibit movement, and apertures for reinforcing elements, allowing for efficient coupling and filling with cementitious materials while preventing water ingress and enhancing structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional formwork components are used, then assembly can proceed, but leaks occur and assembly time increases due to complex reorientation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system is divided into modular panels with standardized flange-groove interfaces. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integration features built-in, allowing rapid assembly without complex reorientation. The segmentation into manageable modules with consistent connection mechanisms enables both speed and reliability in assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Integration features (flanges and grooves) are pre-formed as integral parts of each panel during manufacturing. The ramp surfaces and sealing geometries are built-in beforehand, eliminating the need for现场 adjustment or reorientation during assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures waterproof performance while reducing on-site assembly time.
2Productivity
If simple connection methods are used, then assembly is fast, but the connection is not secure and allows water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The flange of one panel nests into the groove of the adjacent panel, creating a nested connection structure. The ramp surface guides the flange into proper engagement, and the nested geometry provides both mechanical security and waterproof sealing. This nested design achieves secure connection through the interlocking nature of the nested features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex reorientation processes are used, then components can be assembled, but assembly time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange-groove connection system with ramp surfaces provides a universal interface that works for all panel orientations and configurations. The same integration features handle both structural connection and waterproof sealing functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex reorientation processes while maintaining assembly flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If gaps are present in the structure, then assembly is simpler, but structural strength is reduced and cracks can form
Solution Approach 1:
The flange and groove are designed as integral, continuous features that merge the adjacent panels into a unified structure. The ramp surface and sealing geometry ensure continuous contact and load transfer across the joint. This merging of panels through integrated connection features eliminates gaps while maintaining assembly simplicity, resulting in enhanced structural strength.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~1G
Figure 2A~2F
AI summary
A building formwork component comprising first and second spaced sidewalls having one or more webs extending there-between, each sidewall comprising a flange extending inwardly along a first edge of the sidewall such that an outer surface of the flange forms a ramp surface; and a groove extending along an opposing second edge of the sidewall; wherein the component may be coupled to a like component by relative movement of the components towards each other, whereby the flanges are received in respective grooves of the like component, and whereby the ramp surfaces facilitate such coupling by engaging respective second edges of the like component to move the second edges and/or ramp surfaces for engagement of the flanges in the grooves.