Self-Climbing Shaft Formwork With Adjustable Anchoring Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current climbing formwork systems for constructing shafts are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring manual labor for attachment and repositioning, and lack full automation in the climbing process.

Innovation Solution

A self-climbing formwork device with a central support assembly and lifting mechanism that allows formwork sections to be raised and secured using anchoring elements, enabling automated movement and attachment to the concrete structure, minimizing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If climbing formwork is transported using hoists or cranes, then the formwork can be moved vertically, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical transport speedVSAvoidtime for transport and attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system performs its own transport and attachment operations through integrated lifting devices and climbing mechanisms, eliminating the need for external cranes or hoists. The formwork autonomously climbs the shaft by alternately anchoring to completed concrete sections and lifting itself, significantly reducing transport time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the transport function, attachment function, and formwork function into a single integrated system. The lifting devices, climbing mechanisms, and anchoring systems are merged with the formwork structure itself, allowing simultaneous transport and positioning without separate operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Extent of automation

If self-climbing formwork uses hydraulic drive with pre-climbed guide rails, then automation is improved, but the formwork must be retracted and additional preparation work is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of climbing processVSAvoidcomplexity of guide rail system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary anchoring actions directly to the completed concrete shaft sections during normal formwork operations. The anchoring points are created and prepared as part of the concrete pouring process itself, eliminating the need for separate guide rail installation while maintaining automated climbing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The formwork system serves multiple functions: it provides formwork for concrete pouring, creates anchoring points, and performs self-lifting. The same structural elements serve both as formwork and as anchoring points for the climbing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate guide rail systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If transverse beams with gravity latches or anchored brackets are used, then support during climbing is improved, but at least two support structures are required alternating loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stability during climbingVSAvoidnumber of support structures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The climbing system is divided into multiple independent lifting devices distributed around the formwork circumference. Each lifting device can operate independently or in coordination with others, allowing the formwork to climb using multiple anchoring points simultaneously rather than alternating between two support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from using transverse beams extending horizontally into the shaft to using vertical anchoring elements that integrate with the formwork's longitudinal structure. The lifting devices are positioned at different heights and angles, distributing loads through multiple dimensions rather than relying on alternating horizontal supports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Strength

If larger anchors or wall pockets are used for attachment, then anchoring strength is improved, but repositioning vertical reinforcement is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidconstruction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Anchoring points are created during the concrete pouring process itself, before the formwork needs to climb. Rebar loops or anchoring elements are embedded in the concrete as it is being poured, so that when the formwork reaches that level, ready-made anchoring points are available without requiring later repositioning of reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses rebar loops or embedded anchoring elements as intermediaries between the formwork and the concrete shaft. These intermediaries are integrated into the concrete structure during pouring and provide ready-made attachment points for the climbing mechanism, eliminating the need for large anchors that would require repositioning reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4685311A1Climbing formwork device for a shaft
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 PERI GMBH
  • EP4685311A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4685311A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4685311A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a climbing formwork device (10) for a shaft-shaped component, comprising a central formwork support device (12) which carries at least four formwork parts (16, 18) on its circumference, which can be arranged aligned next to each other to form an inner formwork, wherein the formwork support device (12) has a lifting device (34) to move opposing anchoring formwork parts (16) relative to the formwork support device (12) and relative to the other formwork parts (18) in the lifting direction, and wherein the formwork support device (12) is further configured to move all formwork parts (16, 18) between a retracted lifting position and a formwork position.The anchoring formwork parts (16) have at least two securing extensions (22a, 22b) projecting from the formwork plane of the formwork parts (16, 18) for vertically securing the climbing formwork device (10) in the already completed shaft wall, the securing extensions (22a, 22b) are spaced apart from each other in the direction of lifting by the stroke of the lifting device (34), and the distance between the securing extensions (22a, 22b) spaced apart in the direction of lifting is adjustable.