Modular Edge Formwork with Magnetic Fixation and Robotic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge formwork systems require a large number of formwork elements for different concrete element contours and thicknesses, leading to time-consuming conversion of basic formwork elements to varying heights, which impedes production efficiency and limits system output to low levels or stationary production.
Innovation Solution
A modular edge formwork system with form-fitting connections using gripping heads and fork elements that can be expanded to desired heights without manual intervention or screw connections, allowing for rapid adjustment and positioning by robots in three axes, utilizing a freely definable grid dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment and bolting of basic formwork elements is used to change heights, then adaptability to different concrete element specifications is improved, but conversion time increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system is divided into modular basic formwork elements and top formwork elements that can be independently combined. Each module has standardized gripping heads and fork elements that enable quick assembly without manual adjustment or bolting, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and conversion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of formwork heights by simply adding or removing top formwork elements with different heights. The form-fitting connections with gripping heads and fork elements allow rapid changes without fixed bolting, making the system adaptable to different specifications while maintaining high productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of specialized formwork elements are used for different contours and thicknesses, then versatility for different concrete elements is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The basic formwork elements are designed with universal gripping heads that can combine with various top formwork elements to create different configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single basic element to serve multiple purposes by simply changing the top element, reducing the total number of specialized formwork pieces needed while maintaining versatility for different contours and thicknesses.
3Reliability
If screw connections are used to fix combined formwork elements, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces screw connections with a form-fitting mechanical connection system using gripping heads with conical surfaces and fork elements with corresponding conical engagement surfaces. This substitution maintains connection reliability through precise geometric interlocking while enabling automated robotic assembly, as the connection requires no manual fastening operations and can be positioned by a robot in all three axes.
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 quick and efficient setup of edge formwork to any desired height and length, improving production cycle times and system output by allowing robotic placement and magnetic fixation of formwork elements, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet body (20) is provided on the formwork table, to which the basic formwork element can be magnetically attached
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8a
AI summary
The device has a base shuttering element (12) extending in a longitudinal direction of the device. A fixture shuttering element (38) is fixed to the base shuttering element, and a fixture element (40) is provided on a lower side of the fixture shuttering element. A gripping head (30) is aligned with the fixture element, and is detachably coupled with the fixture element by a positive-fit connection. The head is provided with tapered external diameter, and the fixing element is formed as a fork element, which is positive-fit suspended in a longitudinal direction on the head.