Formwork Support Lowering With Automatic Holding Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing climbing systems require significant manual effort and time to lower formwork and protective elements during building demolition or renovation, as existing guide and holding devices need to be manually deactivated to allow downward movement.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a control device to automatically transition the holding element from an active to an inactive position during lifting, allowing the carrier to be lowered without manual intervention, and then back to an active position for holding, using a linear drive element and a push/pull rod with a telescopic configuration to manage engagement and disengagement of elements for efficient lowering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If guide and holding devices are used to prevent unintentional downward descent, then upward lifting is enabled, but manual deactivation is required for lowering which is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic loweringVSAvoidtime for manual deactivation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is pre-configured to automatically deactivate the holding element during the lifting operation. Before the lowering process begins, the system is already prepared to transition the holding element from active to inactive position, eliminating the need for separate manual deactivation steps and reducing overall time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device monitors the position and state of the holding element, and based on this feedback, automatically determines when to deactivate it. This feedback mechanism ensures the holding element is deactivated at the optimal moment during lifting, enabling seamless transition to lowering without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If guide and holding devices are manually deactivated for lowering, then downward movement is enabled, but personnel expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelowering speedVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device autonomously manages the deactivation and reactivation of the holding element without requiring external manual operations. The system serves itself by automatically transitioning the holding element between active and inactive states based on the operational phase, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If holding elements are manually moved into inactive position via handle, then lowering is enabled, but time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic holding element controlVSAvoidtime for manual handle operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical operation of moving the holding element via handle is replaced by an automated control device. This substitution eliminates the need for direct manual manipulation of mechanical components, automatically performing the deactivation and reactivation functions to reduce time loss and increase automation.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If external lifting or lowering devices like cranes are used, then lowering capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelowering capabilityVSAvoidexternal equipment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the lifting operation by managing the holding element's active state and the lowering operation by deactivating it. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external lifting or lowering devices like cranes, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Significantly reduces the time and personnel required for lowering formwork or protective elements, enabling a largely automatic and efficient process without the need for external lifting or lowering devices like cranes.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element, in particular a spring element, in particular a coil spring, is accommodated between the two rod elements, so that when the two fastening parts approach a basic position a compressive force acts between the two rod elements and when the two fastening parts move away from each other a tensile force acts between the two rod elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A hydraulic cylinder-piston drive is provided for upward climbing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

the carrier is lowered beyond its starting position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2995749B1Method and apparatus for lowering a formwork or a protective element
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 DOKA GMBH
  • EP2995749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2995749B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2995749B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method and device for lowering a formwork or protective element (6) during building work, wherein the formwork or protective element (6) is connected via a support (5) to a guide and holding device (2) attached to a building part, wherein the support (5) has a plurality of engagement elements (5') spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the support (5) and the guide and holding device (2) has a receiving unit (4) with a holding element (7), wherein the support (5) is raised substantially vertically from a starting position in which the holding element (7) engages with a first engagement element (5') of the support (5), wherein during the lifting the holding element (7) is temporarily moved into an inactive position by means of a control device (14) in which the support (5) is lowered beyond its starting position,and the retaining element (7) is then moved back into an active position by means of the control device (14), so that when the carrier (5) is lowered, a second engagement element (5') of the carrier (5) engages with the retaining element (7) of the receiving unit (4), as well as a pull/push rod provided as a control device (14).