Sliding Stay Head for Compact Formwork Prop Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slab props for formwork in construction require dismantling when navigating obstacles, such as bulkheads, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when the prop's folded position protrudes beyond the carrier bolt, hindering the movement of formwork during incremental launching processes like bridge construction.

Innovation Solution

A prop head with a connecting element and a displacement element that allows for compact folding and inclination compensation, enabling the prop to be rotated by at least 90 degrees, thus avoiding the need for dismantling and allowing the prop to be folded up in tight spaces without protruding beyond the carrier bar, ensuring smooth movement over obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the prop is folded up to navigate obstacles, then the prop can pass over bulkheads, but the folded prop protrudes beyond the carrier bolt and cannot traverse the bulkhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprop heightVSAvoidability to traverse bulkhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support head incorporates a sliding element that can dynamically change position between a first position (for load-bearing) and a second position (for compact folding). This dynamic adjustment allows the prop to fold completely flat against the beam, reducing its protrusion distance to enable traversal over bulkheads while maintaining load-bearing capability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support head is divided into separable components: a connecting element with guide means and a sliding element that can move relative to it. This segmentation allows the sliding element to be positioned in different locations, enabling the prop to switch between extended and compact configurations depending on whether it needs to bear load or navigate obstacles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the prop head is made compact for folding, then it can fit in tight spaces, but load-bearing capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport head volumeVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support head uses a dynamic sliding mechanism where the sliding element can be positioned in a first position optimized for load-bearing (providing structural strength) or a second position for compact folding. This allows the same component to satisfy both compactness and strength requirements under different operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support head design serves multiple functions: it provides load-bearing support when the sliding element is in the first position, and enables compact folding for navigation when the sliding element is in the second position. The guide means and sliding element combination creates a multi-functional component that adapts to different operational needs without requiring separate structures

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the prop requires dismantling to navigate obstacles, then it can pass over bulkheads, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to navigate obstaclesVSAvoiddismantling and reassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support head employs a dynamic sliding mechanism that allows the sliding element to move between positions along guided paths. This enables the prop to be quickly folded into a compact configuration for obstacle navigation without requiring complete disassembly, and can be rapidly reconfigured for load-bearing after passing the obstacle, significantly reducing the time lost during incremental launching operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective prop head that maintains load-bearing capacity while minimizing the need for prop dismantling, reducing cycle time and risk of misplacement during incremental launching, allowing for efficient navigation of internal obstacles without eccentric load introduction.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second guide means form an axis below the beam about which the sliding element can be tilted relative to the connection element by a first angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTilt compensation mechanism: Gimbal

Implementation Method 2

the connection element is displaceable from the first sliding position to a second sliding position essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding mechanism: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3857002B1Stay head, ceiling stay, ceiling formwork and method for erecting such a ceiling formwork
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 PERI GMBH
  • EP3857002B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3857002B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3857002B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a stay head (1) for a ceiling stay (10) for a ceiling formwork (100), wherein the stay head (1) comprises a connection element (2) having first and second connection surfaces (3, 4) facing away from one another, wherein the first connection surface (3) can be or is connected to a formwork stay (11), and the second connection surface (4) has first guide means (5a, 5b) for guiding a sliding element (6) which can be displaced relative to the connection element (2). The stay head further comprises the sliding element (6), which can be arranged between a support beam (9), for example in the form of a double-U profile, of the ceiling formwork (100) and the connection element (2) and has second guide means (7, 7', 7''). The second guide means (7, 7', 7'') interact with the first guide means (5a, 5b) of the connection element (2) in such a way that, in the loaded state of the stay head, in a first sliding position (V1), the first and second guide means (5a, 5b, 7, 7', 7'') form an axis (A1) below the support beam (9) about which the sliding element (6) can be tilted with respect to the connection element (2) through a first angle (α), and, in the unloaded state of the stay head (1), the connection element (2) can be displaced from the first sliding position (V1) into a second sliding position (V2). The connection element (2) can be rotated in the second sliding position (V2) with respect to the sliding element (6) through a second angle (β) which is greater than the first angle (α).