Reusable Formwork Frame with Clamping Release Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formworks for concrete slabs in railway tunnels are not reusable and cannot accommodate wheeled vehicles, particularly emergency vehicles, due to their design limitations, making it difficult to navigate and maintain single-track railway tunnels after accidents.
Innovation Solution
A reusable formwork frame with a first frame element and two second frame elements, connected by clamping/release units with spacers for adjustable positioning, allowing for easy detachment and reassembly without damaging the concrete, and a handling traverse for sequential lifting and lowering of formwork frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional formworks are used for concrete slabs in railway tunnels, then the formworks can be used for production, but they cannot be removed without damaging the concrete and do not allow wheeled vehicle navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork frame is divided into multiple frame elements that are connected to each other. Each frame element can be independently removed by actuating the clamping/release units, allowing the formwork to be disassembled in segments without damaging the concrete slab structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between frame elements is made dynamic through the clamping/release units with clamping levers. These units can transition between a clamped state (holding frame elements together during concrete pouring) and a released state (allowing frame elements to be moved apart for removal), enabling the formwork to adapt to different operational phases.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the formwork frame is designed as a single piece, then it provides structural stability, but it cannot be easily detached and reassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork frame is segmented into multiple frame elements that can be connected and disconnected. The clamping/release units provide a mechanism for these segmented parts to be firmly connected during use yet easily separated when needed, achieving both stability during operation and ease of reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame elements are designed to be temporarily connected during the concrete pouring process and then recovered (removed and reused) afterward. The clamping/release units enable this temporary connection to be easily established and released, allowing the formwork components to be recovered and reused for subsequent projects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the formwork is designed to accommodate railway tracks, then it enables tunnel navigability, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork frame is designed with spacer elements that enable it to accommodate railway tracks while maintaining its primary function as a concrete forming structure. The spacer elements can be positioned at appropriate intervals to align with track requirements, allowing the same formwork structure to serve both concrete production and future vehicle navigation purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork frame has different local characteristics: the main frame elements provide structural support for concrete pouring, while spacer elements at specific locations accommodate railway track requirements. This localized differentiation allows the structure to meet multiple requirements without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
4Productivity
If the formwork frame is removed after concrete setting, then it allows formwork reuse, but it requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic clamping/release units with clamping levers enable rapid transition between the connected and disconnected states of frame elements. This dynamic connection mechanism significantly reduces the time and effort required to remove and reassemble the formwork compared to permanent or fixed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping/release units are pre-configured in the frame elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the formwork to be quickly assembled and disassembled during construction operations without requiring complex field adjustments or additional components, thereby reducing overall project time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The reusable formwork is used to produce concrete slabs for the passage of a wheeled vehicle, particularly an emergency vehicle, through a single-track railway tunnel. A formwork frame comprises a first frame element (24) and two second frame elements (26) that run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first frame element. At least the first frame element has at least two frame element parts (32) that are connected to each other, with adjacent frame element parts of the first frame element being connected to each other.Each pair of interconnected frame element parts is provided with a clamping/releasing unit comprising a clamping lever (44) that is movable between a clamping position, in which the two frame element parts are clamped together while abutting each other, and a release position, in which the two frame element parts are separated while maintaining their mechanical connection. A spacer element for contact with a rail of a track running through the tunnel is arranged on at least one of the frame element parts of the first frame element, wherein the spacer element is hinged to or removable from the respective frame element part.