Formwork Strut Anchoring Assembly for Ground-Level Diagonal Bracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring systems for formwork structures require operators to access high heights to secure anchoring bars, are limited to specific types of bars, and are not quick or robust enough for practical use.

Innovation Solution

A fastening assembly comprising a male element with perpendicular pins and a female element with a slot and protuberance, allowing for easy placement and secure fastening of anchoring bars without the need for elevated access, suitable for various bar types and profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wedge clamps or couplers are used to fasten anchoring bars between struts, then the anchoring system provides diagonal support to prevent formwork collapse, but the operator must access high heights to install them, creating safety risks and time loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidinstallation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fastening the anchoring bar to the upper end of the strut (which requires high access), the invention inverts the fastening location to the lower end of the strut. The L-shaped fastening element engages with the anchoring bar horizontally at ground level, eliminating the need for operators to access elevated positions while maintaining anchoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If wedge clamps are used for fastening, then the anchoring system can be assembled, but it is limited to wood or partially deformable bars due to friction-based fastening, reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening simplicityVSAvoidbar type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the friction-based wedge mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system. The L-shaped fastening element creates a physical key-lock engagement with the anchoring bar and strut, where the horizontal portion engages the bar and the vertical portion engages the strut. This mechanical interlocking works effectively with rigid bars (steel, aluminum) rather than relying on friction with deformable materials.

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

3Reliability

If traditional clamps are used at upper strut ends, then anchoring can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires specialized working means, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring securityVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The L-shaped fastening element is designed to be pre-positioned at the lower end of the strut before the anchoring bar is installed. This preliminary placement allows the operator to simply slide the anchoring bar into the fastening element without complex manipulation or elevated access, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3772559B1Anchoring system with diagonal bracing and formwork strut
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 SISTEMAS TECNICOS DE ENCOFRADOS SA
  • EP3772559B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3772559B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b

AI summary

Anchoring system for formwork struts comprising a male element with a seat for joining the head of a strut and at least one pin, the seat and the pin being configured so that when in use, the pin is perpendicular to the plane containing the two struts to be anchored together, the pin having a protuberance at the end, as well as a female element comprising a bar with a flat surface, said flat surface comprising a slot perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the bar, with a width smaller than that of the protuberance and at least one portion with a width larger than that of the pin, comprising an opening for the introduction of the pin in the slot in a position, such that when in use, the opening is located in a position lower than the slot and the pin is fastened in an upper area of the slot.