Reversible Formwork Connector for Fast Shell-Beam Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting formwork skins and beams without causing damage, leading to high costs, waste, and unsightly rivet marks, while requiring multiple connections that are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A formwork element with reversible connectors between the formwork beam and skin, allowing for easy connection and disconnection by applying a normal force, without the need for tools, and enabling multiple uses of the same components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rivets are used to join formwork panels to formwork beams, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the separation process becomes time-consuming and causes wear and damage to both panels and beams
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a support element attached to the formwork beam and a formwork skin element attached to the panel. This segmentation allows the connector to be easily separated by pulling the panel away, eliminating the time-consuming separation process while maintaining strong connection during use
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static permanent connection (rivets) to a dynamic reversible connection. The support element and formwork skin element can be easily connected and separated multiple times, adapting to the needs of formwork assembly and disassembly cycles
2Strength
If rivets are used to join formwork panels to formwork beams, then the connection is strong and reliable, but wear and damage occur to both panels and beams during separation
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into a support element and formwork skin element, the design eliminates the need for destructive separation. Each element can be reused multiple times without wear or damage, maintaining component durability while providing strong connection during use
Solution Approach 2:
The connector elements are designed to be recovered and reused rather than discarded. The support element remains on the beam and the formwork skin element remains on the panel, allowing both to be reused in subsequent formwork assemblies without degradation
3Ease of operation
If multiple clip connections are used to join formwork elements, then the connection is reversible, but separation requires destroying the clips or using tools for each individual connection
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual clip connections are merged into a single integrated connector system. The support element and formwork skin element work together as one unit, allowing all connections to be separated simultaneously by a single pulling action rather than requiring tool-based separation of each clip individually
4Ease of manufacture
If rivet marks are left on the completed building section, then the connection method is simple, but the surface finish quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection method is extracted from the permanent riveting process to a reversible connector system. The connector can be separated without leaving marks on the formwork panel or beam surfaces, maintaining surface finish quality while keeping the connection process simple and efficient
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
Facilitates rapid and damage-free connection and disconnection of formwork skins and beams, reducing material waste and costs, and allowing for repeated use of components, while maintaining high-quality surface finishes.
Implementation Method 1
The support element and the formwork skin element are reversibly connectable to each other and form the connector... the reversible connection between the support element and the formwork skin element can be separated solely by applying a force perpendicular to the formwork skin and directed away from the formwork support, which is greater than a limiting separation force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a formwork module for formwork for a building part, comprising at least one formwork beam and at least one formwork shell, wherein at least one connector is situated between the formwork beam and the formwork shell. The connector comprises at least one beam element, which is fastened on or in the formwork beam, and at least one formwork shell element, which is fastened in or on the formwork shell. The beam element and the formwork shell element can be reversibly interconnected and form the connector, by means of which the formwork shell can be reversibly connected to the formwork beam. The invention also relates to the use of a connector for detachably connecting a formwork beam to a formwork shell and to a method for connecting a formwork shell to a formwork beam of a formwork module. Finally, the invention relates to a method for separating a formwork shell from a formwork beam of a formwork module.