Powered Actuator for Concrete Form Corner Stripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for stripping and resetting inside forms in concrete elevator cores require significant manual labor and climbing, particularly when using self-lifting forms, as workers need to drive pins and re-drive them at multiple locations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A powered actuator system is integrated into the inside form corners, replacing the need for manual pin insertion and alignment, allowing for the mechanical retraction and resetting of the form without the need for workers to climb, utilizing a hydraulic or electrical actuator operated by a switch or valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pin insertion and alignment is used to strip inside forms, then the form can be stripped and reset, but significant manual labor and climbing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of pin insertion and alignment with an automated mechanical actuator system. The actuator mechanically collapses the corner form perimeter, eliminating the need for workers to manually drive pins and climb the formwork, thus substituting human labor with automated mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The form stripping system performs its own resetting function through the actuator mechanism. After stripping, the actuator can automatically reset the corner form to its original position without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself.
2Productivity
If workers climb the formwork to drive pins at multiple locations, then the form can be stripped, but labor costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex manual operation of climbing and driving pins at multiple locations with a simple actuator control system. The actuator automatically performs the collapsing action, transforming a complex multi-step manual process into a single automated operation controlled by a switch or valve.
3Extent of automation
If tapered pins are driven through aligned holes to collapse the corner, then the form can strip away, but significant manual effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pin alignment and driving mechanism with an actuator system that directly collapses the corner form. This substitution eliminates the need for aligned holes, tapered pins, and the complex coordination required to drive them, thereby increasing automation while reducing mechanical complexity.
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
This solution eliminates the need for workers to climb the formwork, significantly reducing labor costs and time, as the form can be stripped and reset with minimal effort, enhancing the efficiency of the concrete pouring process.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanical device such as a hydraulic cylinder or an electrical actuator is installed at various locations at an angle across each corner
Implementation Method 2
A mechanical device such as a hydraulic cylinder or an electrical actuator is installed at various locations at an angle across each corner
Implementation Method 3
The rubber spacer also compresses on one edge. This causes the corner to collapse enough to allow the corner form to strip
Data Source
AI summary
A stripping corner for an inside form, such as for forming the inside corner of an elevator core in building construction for pouring concrete, is provided that includes a powered actuator that forcibly collapses the perimeter of the inside form, particularly the inside corners of the form, to allow displacement of the inside form from the formed concrete surface to strip the inside form from the concrete.