Sliding Formwork Connecting Element for Obstacle Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formwork systems lack a flexible and efficient fastening solution that can adapt to various geometric shapes and construction conditions, often requiring case-specific approaches and encountering obstacles such as reinforcing bars in concrete walls or recesses.

Innovation Solution

A formwork unit with a connecting element featuring a first connecting leg that can be inserted into a form-fitting receptacle on the formwork panel, allowing for adjustable positioning and non-positive fixation, along with a holding element that can be rotated to accommodate different shapes and angles, enabling positive and non-positive coupling of formwork panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed fastening method is used for formwork panels, then the assembly process is simple, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to various geometric shapes and construction conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to geometric shapesVSAvoidfastening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element incorporates a slidable connecting leg that can move along the receptacle within a defined range, allowing dynamic adjustment of the connection position to adapt to different geometric shapes and construction conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is divided into separate functional components: a connecting leg that slides within a receptacle, a fixing opening for securing, and a receiving opening for retaining elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing adaptability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If case-specific fastening approaches are used for different geometric shapes, then the formwork can be precisely fitted, but the assembly efficiency and speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various geometric shapes and construction conditions through its slidable connecting leg and adjustable retaining element, eliminating the need for different fastening methods for different applications and thereby increasing assembly speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is pre-configured with a receptacle, fixing opening, and receiving opening in specific positions and orientations, allowing for rapid assembly without requiring case-specific preparation or adjustment during the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If reinforcing bars and recesses are encountered in concrete walls, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the formwork assembly is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle avoidance capabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The slidable connecting leg can be positioned at different locations within the receptacle range to avoid reinforcing bars and recesses, allowing the formwork assembly to adapt to obstacles dynamically without requiring time-consuming adjustments or repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining element acts as an intermediary component that connects the formwork panel to the connecting element, allowing the system to navigate around obstacles like reinforcing bars and recesses by providing an intermediate connection point that can be positioned flexibly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3696338B1Shuttering unit with connecting element, parts set for constructing shuttering and shuttering for forming a cast concrete element

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 MAGERT BAUTECHN

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AI summary

A connecting element (1) for connecting at least one first formwork panel (2) to another construction unit during a concreting process comprises a first connecting leg (1a) for positively engaging the connecting element (1) in a receptacle (9) of the first formwork panel (2) up to a designated end position, a first fixing opening (6a), and a first, in particular wedge-shaped, fixing element (7) which can be inserted and locked in the first fixing opening (6a) for force-fit fixing of the connecting element (1) to the first formwork panel (2). A formwork unit (14) comprises such a connecting element (1) and a formwork panel (2). A connecting unit (15) comprises a connecting element (1) and a retaining element (3). Furthermore, a parts set with various components and a formwork are provided.