Rotating Formwork Clamp with Self-Aligning Fixer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction template connectors, such as bolt and nut systems, sleeve clamps, and wedge clamps, face issues like slow construction, poor assembly quality, ease of damage, loosening during shaking, high costs, and wear-related size errors, which affect concrete pouring quality.
Innovation Solution
A connecting clamp comprising a movable clamp and a fixer with a rotatable shaft connection, wedge or cam mechanism, and a tension spring for easy assembly and disassembly without drilling holes, providing a stable, fast, and cost-effective connection between templates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ordinary bolt and nut-hole connection is used, then the template can be assembled, but construction is slow and template assembling quality is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate clamp units (left and right) that can be independently positioned on template frames, with each unit having its own clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows for parallel assembly operations and eliminates the need for drilling holes in the template frames, thereby improving construction speed while maintaining assembly quality through the fixer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixer mechanism automatically positions and levels the clamp units during fastening through its self-aligning feature, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments. The wedge or cam mechanism provides automatic tightening action, and the reset device automatically returns the clamp to its open position after fastening, enabling quick reuse without manual intervention, thus improving both construction speed and assembly quality.
2Productivity
If sleeve clamp with hooks is used, then fast cover work is achieved, but template frames must have standardized holes and it is easy to be harmed at construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful drilling operation from the assembly process by using clamp units that can be directly positioned on template frames without requiring holes. The fixer mechanism provides the necessary fastening function without penetrating the template frames, thereby eliminating damage to the frames while maintaining fast assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp units are designed with localized clamping features (clamping faces and positioning-correction faces) that concentrate the fastening action at specific contact points on the template frames. This localized contact distributes stress evenly and avoids concentrated loads that could damage the frames, while still achieving secure fastening for rapid construction.
3Reliability
If wedge clamp with racks is used, then construction is fast and template assembling is reliable, but cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex rack and wedge mechanisms that require precise manufacturing, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple fixer mechanism with a wedge or cam that acts on the clamp units from the rear. This reversed action path simplifies the manufacturing requirements while maintaining reliable fastening, thereby reducing cost while preserving assembly reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the fastening system by using a fixer mechanism that provides sufficient wedging force through a simple wedge or cam geometry. This approach achieves the necessary clamping force with simpler, less expensive components compared to complex rack systems, maintaining reliability while reducing manufacturing cost.
4Device complexity
If T-shaped spring wedge plate is used, then structure is simple and construction is easy, but wedge body is easy to be worn due to elastic bending
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a reset device (tension spring) that beforehand cushions the wedge or cam against excessive wear by automatically returning it to its initial position after each fastening cycle. This prevents the wedge body from remaining in a bent or stressed state that would accelerate wear, thereby extending durability while maintaining simple structure and easy construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension spring in the reset device automatically performs the service of returning the wedge or cam to its initial position after fastening, eliminating the need for manual resetting. This self-service mechanism prevents accumulated stress and wear on the wedge body, enhancing durability while keeping the overall structure simple and construction easy.
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 solution ensures high assembly quality, stability, and long service life with reduced construction costs and increased recycling rates, as it automatically positions and levels templates, maintaining a strong connection without damaging the templates and reducing wear-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge being movable up and down and placed in the hole, wherein a side face of the wedge is corresponding to the rear portion of the right clamp unit, which moves down with the wedge for pushing the left clamp unit and the right clamp unit to rotate around the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a cam being rotatable and placed in the hole, wherein the cam rotates in the hole for pushing the rear position of the right clamp unit to rotate around the shaft
Implementation Method 3
a reset device provided between the left clamp unit and the right clamp unit for keeping an opened state of the front portions when the fixer is activated. The reset device is a tension spring installed between the left clamp unit and the right clamp unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A connecting clamp for template assembling includes: a left clamp unit (1) and a right clamp unit (2), wherein the left clamp unit (1) is rotatably connected to the right clamp unit (2) through a shaft (3); clamping faces (13) and positioning-correction faces (14) corresponding to frames (101) of templates (10) are provided at front portions of both the left clamp unit (1) and the right clamp unit (2); a fixer is provided at rear portions of the left clamp unit (1) and the right clamp unit (2), wherein the fixer enables the front portions of the left clamp units (1) and the right clamp unit (2) to grip the frames (101) of the templates (10). The present invention has advantages such as a simple structure, convenient use and adaptability to assembling of various templates.