Resilient Formwork Beam Connector for Controlled Cross-Beam Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for connecting wooden I-beams, such as nailing and manual clamping systems, are laborious, prone to deterioration, and difficult to quantify in terms of strength, with significant dependency on human action and variability.
Innovation Solution
A resilient single-component device with two compression regions and intermediate arms that clamp intersecting formwork beams, providing constant and controlled clamping pressure, independent of human action, and easy dismounting for re-use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nailing is used to join wooden I-beams, then the connection is simple and adaptable, but the service life is shortened due to nail deterioration and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces permanent nails with a removable clamping device that can be easily installed and taken out. The device consists of a resilient body with clamping surfaces that press against the beams, and it can be completely removed after use without damaging the beams, allowing the beams to be reused indefinitely.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is designed to be temporary and removable. After serving its purpose of joining the beams during construction, the device can be completely removed and the beams recovered for reuse in other applications, thus extending the overall service life of the beam materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual clamping systems are used, then discretion and variability are provided, but laborious operation and significant manpower are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed to be self-installing through a lever mechanism. When the lever is actuated, it automatically engages with the beam and the resilient body expands to provide clamping force without requiring manual adjustment or multiple workers. The system serves itself by converting the lever motion directly into clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a resilient body that can dynamically adapt to different beam positions and orientations. The resilience allows the clamping surfaces to maintain contact and provide appropriate clamping force regardless of minor variations in beam alignment, providing adaptability without requiring manual intervention.
3Strength
If threaded bolts and clamping nuts are used, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and manual operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded bolt and nut components from the clamping system. Instead of using threads and fasteners, the design uses a resilient body with inclined clamping surfaces that work together with a simple lever to achieve secure clamping. This removes the complex threaded connection elements while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is segmented into distinct functional components: a resilient body with clamping surfaces, a lever mechanism, and engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the resilient body provides adaptive clamping force, the lever provides mechanical advantage for installation, and the engagement features provide secure attachment - without requiring complex integrated fasteners.
4Ease of operation
If wedge systems are used, then connection is achieved, but manual clamping and variability dependency remain
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves automatic clamping through its lever mechanism. When the lever is inserted and actuated, it automatically engages with the beam structure and the resilient body self-expands to provide clamping force. The system performs the clamping action itself without requiring manual positioning or adjustment, reducing dependency on human action while maintaining ease of operation.
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
The device ensures a stable and consistent connection between beams, reducing manpower requirements, enhancing safety by preventing upper beam tipping, and allowing easy re-deployment to different building sites without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a single-component structure made of resilient material having two compression regions separated from each other, for simultaneously clamping the two beams to be joined at their support regions
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting system is for dismountably connecting two intersecting formwork beams. The system includes a resilient single-component structure having two intermediate arms joining together respective regions for pressing the two intersecting formwork beams together at support regions. The resilient single-component structure is configured to slide longitudinally over one of the two intersecting formwork beams. Pressure or impact on the resilient single-component structure produces elastic deformation of the resilient single-component structure so as to clamp or hold the two intersecting formwork beams and press them together. The two intermediate arms extend at their upper ends into respective extensions for pressing on support regions of one of the beams to be connected, while at the other end they extend into a U- or V-shaped bridge for pressing on the support region of the opposite beam to be joined. Each of the intermediate arms has double elbows joined to respective straight-parallel extensions.