Horizontal Formwork Safety Structure with Guided Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal formwork systems lack effective safety measures to prevent operators from falling during the installation of formwork panels, as traditional safety structures require placement under all panels and are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A modular horizontal formwork system with a safety structure that moves longitudinally to cover gaps as panels are assembled, featuring guided elements and displacement means that allow the safety structure to be actuated from above or below, ensuring protection without the need for continuous support under all panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety structure is placed under all formwork panels, then operator safety is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety structure is divided into multiple modular elements that can be independently assembled and positioned. Each safety element corresponds to a specific panel position, allowing selective assembly only where needed rather than requiring continuous support under all panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety structure incorporates displacement means that enable it to move dynamically as panels are assembled. The safety elements can be shifted longitudinally to follow the progression of panel installation, maintaining protection at the active work zone without requiring static support across the entire formwork area.
2Reliability
If a safety structure is placed under all formwork panels, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety structure consists of discrete, standardized elements rather than a continuous complex structure. Each element is a simple component that can be independently positioned and secured, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as protective barriers and as integration points with the formwork system. The same structural elements that support panels also provide mounting points for safety structures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated safety support systems.
3Reliability
If displacement means are added to move the safety structure, then safety coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement means are designed to be operated by the installer themselves during the normal panel assembly process. The mechanism uses the installer's existing movements and forces (pushing, pulling, or shifting panels) to simultaneously advance both the panel installation and the safety structure positioning, without requiring separate control systems or additional operational steps.
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
This solution enhances safety and efficiency by allowing the safety structure to move in sync with panel placement, reducing assembly time and eliminating the need for continuous support, thus improving operator safety and workflow.
Implementation Method 1
sliding the safety structure in the longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal beams covering the gap immediately after the last assembled formwork panel
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment a horizontal formwork system is provided that includes a pair of parallel longitudinal beams on which a safety means is coupled for protecting against falling. The safety means includes a safety structure that is located below the formwork panels. The safety structure at least partially covers a gap existing immediately after a last assembled formwork panel and displacement means for moving the safety structure in a longitudinal direction along a length of the longitudinal beams. The displacement means is configured to be operated on by an operator allow to move the safety structure to cover the gap immediately after the last assembled formwork panel. A safety method for installing formwork panels is also provide that may include the steps of assembling at least one guide to the corresponding longitudinal beam and coupling a safety structure having at least one guided element to the longitudinal beams through a guide, and sliding the safety structure along the guide to cover the gap.