Formwork Strut Anchoring Assembly for Ground-Level Fastening

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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 use with wood or deformable bars, and are not suitable for quick placement or various bar types.

Innovation Solution

A fastening assembly comprising a male element with a pin and a female element with a slot and protuberance, allowing for secure anchoring without height access, suitable for various bar types, and enabling quick and robust fixation using diagonal stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If wedge clamps or couplers are used to fasten anchoring bars between struts, then the anchoring resistance is improved through friction, but the operator must access high heights to install them, increasing risk and time loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring resistanceVSAvoidoperator accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system uses the weight of the bar itself to fasten the pin in the upper end of the slot, creating a self-anchoring mechanism that does not require manual intervention at height. The bar's own weight provides the force needed to secure the connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the operator to reach high to secure the anchoring bar, the system inverts the approach by allowing the bar to be introduced from below, with the pin automatically fastening in the upper slot position due to gravitational force on the bar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If wedge clamps are used for anchoring, then fastening resistance is achieved through friction, but the system is limited to wood or partially deformable bars only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening resistanceVSAvoidbar material compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the friction-based wedge mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system using a pin and slot with a protuberance. This substitution allows the same anchoring mechanism to work with any bar material, including rigid metal bars, without relying on material deformability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional clamps are used at the upper end of struts, then anchoring is achieved, but installation time increases due to the need for working means at height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the bar to be prepared and introduced from the ground level, with the pin automatically positioning itself in the upper slot area. This preliminary preparation at ground level eliminates the need for time-consuming operations at height while maintaining anchoring security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the slot opening is at the upper end for easy access, then installation is simplified, but the pin cannot be securely fastened against lateral forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidlateral force resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slot opening is positioned at the lower end rather than the upper end, inverting the conventional approach. The bar is introduced from below, allowing the pin to be inserted from the ground level while the upper end of the slot provides the secure fastening point against lateral forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The weight of the bar automatically positions the pin in the upper area of the slot, providing self-securing against lateral forces without requiring additional fastening operations. The gravitational force on the bar ensures reliable lateral resistance.

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

Enables rapid and secure anchoring of struts without height access, suitable for different bar materials and profiles, preventing structure collapse and reducing operator risk and time loss.

Implementation Method 1

Due to the weight of the bar itself, the pin is fastened in the upper end of the slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

thanks to the protuberance, the slot cannot leave the pin in a lateral direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11686110B2Anchoring system for formwork struts

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 SISTEMAS TECNICOS DE ENCOFRADOS SA

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.