Self-Supporting Concrete Formwork for Integrated Finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork systems for structural concrete elements require dismantling and additional sealing after concrete solidification, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for multiple components and temporary supports.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting finishing piece integrated into the structural element, made of concrete, which serves as both formwork and final finishing, eliminating the need for separate dismantling and sealing, and ensuring consistent width and coplanarity through H-shaped connecting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional formwork systems are used for structural concrete elements, then the formwork can be assembled and disassembled, but additional sealing and multiple components are required, increasing device complexity and loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formwork function and finishing function into a single integrated element. The finishing piece itself serves as the formwork, eliminating the need for separate formwork structures, spacers, and sealing components. This consolidation directly reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The finishing piece performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the formwork structure, provides the final finishing surface, and eliminates the need for separate sealing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components required while simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If traditional formwork systems are used, then temporary supports and spacers are required, but this increases loss of substance and requires additional sealing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork structure and finishing element are merged into a single component that remains integrated with the structural element. This eliminates the need for temporary supports and spacers that would otherwise be discarded, directly reducing material waste while maintaining formwork stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding temporary formwork components after use, the patent recovers material value by making the finishing piece itself the permanent formwork structure. The finishing piece is integrated into the structural element, transforming what would be waste material into a valuable permanent component.
3Productivity
If traditional formwork systems are used, then dismantling and cleaning operations are required, but this increases loss of time and additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork and finishing operations are merged into a single integrated element that requires no dismantling. The finishing piece remains in place as part of the structural element, eliminating the time-consuming processes of dismantling, cleaning, and reassembly while maintaining construction productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the disposable principle in reverse: instead of using temporary formwork that must be discarded, the finishing piece is designed to be permanent and integrated. This eliminates the need for dismantling operations while the finishing piece serves its full lifecycle as part of the structural element.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a finishing piece (1) that serves as a self-supporting disposable formwork for structural elements that is integrated into the structural element and that also serves as finishing for the structural element. This finishing piece (1) comprises two construction elements (2) placed in a substantially parallel position and substantially coextensive with each other, and that are connected by connecting elements (3). The construction element (2) comprises a panel (2.1) in which protective elements (2.3) are embedded in the uppermost and lowermost surfaces, and which in the inner surface incorporates fitting elements (2.2) for fitting the connecting elements (3).