Construction Prop with Castellated Bushing for Error-Proof Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction props for reinforced concrete structures are not efficiently designed for quick and error-free disassembly, which hinders their reuse in other construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A prop design featuring a castellated bushing with stepped grooves and an internally-threaded bushing or 'screw nut' that uses a torsion-compression spring to automatically position parts for secure coupling and easy decoupling, preventing operator errors during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning of parts is used for assembly, then operator control is maintained, but positioning errors occur and assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs positioning automatically through the interaction of the spring mechanism and stepped grooves, without requiring operator intervention for alignment. The upper part self-positions onto the correct step of the castellated part through the spring's restoring force, eliminating human error in positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded during assembly to store potential energy. This preliminary action of compressing the spring before final positioning enables the automatic snapping into place, ensuring correct positioning is achieved before the operator completes the assembly operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but disassembly time increases and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one where the spring can rapidly change state. During disassembly, the spring's stored energy dynamically releases to quickly decouple the parts, enabling fast operation while maintaining safety through controlled energy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the castellated part with stepped grooves, the upper part with wings, and the spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling quick disassembly while maintaining overall system safety.
3Reliability
If automatic positioning mechanisms are added, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged with the existing coupling mechanism. The stepped grooves of the castellated part serve dual purposes: they provide the structural coupling interface and simultaneously define the positioning steps. The spring, already necessary for maintaining coupling force, is also used to provide the positioning action, eliminating the need for separate positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains constant coupling force between parts, provides the restoring force for automatic positioning, and enables rapid disassembly when the positioning constraint is released. This multi-functionality achieves accurate positioning without adding dedicated positioning components.
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, error-proof disassembly and reassembly of the prop, ensuring safe and efficient reuse of the formwork support elements by automatically aligning parts for secure operation and release positions.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring which works under simultaneous torsion and compression and drives the displaceable upper part in rotation to position it in the appropriate abutment position on the upper steps of the castellated part
Implementation Method 2
a helical spring which works under simultaneous torsion and compression
Data Source
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AI summary
The prop comprises a device for the quick decoupling of the lower portion which rests on the ground and the upper portion which supports the load, consisting of a part carrying stepped recesses in the form of castellated parts on its upper edge and another part carrying stops which can be supported on the bottom of said stepped grooves or on the upper steps thereof, in which the stepped recesses are produced on the upper edge of the screw nut, which adjusts the height of the prop, and the stops which can rest the bottom of the grooves or on the upper steps thereof are produced on a rotating part which receives the load of the upper portion of the prop and which similarly receives the action of an internal spring.