Formwork Support Head With Sliding Pin Quick-Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formwork systems face difficulties in quickly releasing support posts from the vertical load applied by cured concrete due to increased friction in threaded connections, making it challenging to remove support posts after concrete curing.

Innovation Solution

A support head with a release pin mechanism that allows for the telescopic movement of a top member relative to a base member, enabling quick release of vertical loads by sliding the pin from a first position to a second position, reducing the height of the support structure and releasing the vertical load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If threaded connections are used to adjust support post height, then the support post can be adjusted in height, but the friction between threaded surfaces increases with concrete weight and compression force, making it difficult to turn the connection after concrete curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjusting support post heightVSAvoidfriction force in threaded connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The support post is divided into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted. The telescopic tubes are segmented into outer and inner tubes that can move relative to each other, allowing the support post to be adjusted in height by extending or retracting these segments rather than turning a single threaded connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support post transitions from a static threaded connection system to a dynamic telescopic system. The inner tubes can slide within the outer tubes along the longitudinal axis, enabling smooth adjustment without the high friction associated with threaded connections. This dynamic mechanism allows easy extension and retraction of support post sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support post remains fixed in height after concrete curing, then the support structure maintains stability, but the support post cannot be easily removed from the cured concrete structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of support structure during concrete curingVSAvoidease of removing support post after concrete curing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support post incorporates telescopic tubes that allow dynamic adjustment of height. After concrete curing, the inner tubes can be retracted within the outer tubes, reducing the overall height of the support post and enabling easy removal from the cured concrete structure. This dynamic mechanism provides both stability during curing and ease of removal afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic mechanism allows the support post to be compacted or extended as needed. After use, the inner tubes can be retracted to minimize the height of the support post, facilitating its removal and storage. The mechanism enables the support post to be discarded or recovered efficiently after serving its purpose during concrete curing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple support post design is used, then the structure is easy to manufacture and assemble, but the support post cannot provide quick release of vertical load after concrete curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufacturing support postVSAvoidspeed of releasing vertical load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support post is segmented into multiple telescopic tubes with pin holes that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for quick release of vertical load by simply moving the pin between positions, eliminating the need for complex threading mechanisms while maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional threaded mechanical connection system is replaced with a telescopic tube and pin mechanism. The pin can be quickly moved between positions to extend or retract the inner tubes, providing fast release of vertical load without the complexity of threaded connections. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250237073A1Support head with quick release for formwork system

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 BRAND SHARED SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A support head mountable on a support post for supporting a beam in a formwork system is provided. The support head includes a top member configured for contacting and supporting the beam. The top member includes a first tube having first opposing pin holes and a pair of guide plates. The support head includes a base member mountable on top of the support post. The base member includes a second tube having second opposing pin holes. The first and second opposing pin holes are configured to align along a horizontal axis. The support head includes a pin insertable into the pin holes. The pin includes a guide portion. The pair of guide plates is configured to receive the guide portion to orient the pin and prevent rotation of the pin. The pin is slidably moveable in the pin holes from a first position to a second position.