Suspended Formwork with Automated Winch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing top-down construction methods for underground structures face challenges in maintaining the quality of underground floors due to reliance on ground supports, which can affect flatness and mechanical strength, and manual suspension methods are imprecise and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method using suspended formwork with adjustable suspension devices, including bars, stop members, and actuators, to precisely control the descent of formwork, eliminating the need for ground supports and ensuring precise load transfer between floors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground supports (props) are used to hold formwork during underground floor construction, then the formwork can be supported during pouring, but the quality (flatness, mechanical strength) of the floors is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical ground-based support to horizontal ceiling-based suspension. Formwork is suspended from the ceiling of the floor above by cables attached to winches, moving the support function from the ground dimension to the overhead dimension. This eliminates contact with the ground entirely, preventing ground-related quality issues while maintaining formwork stability during concrete pouring.
2Measurement precision
If manual threaded rods are used to lower formwork, then suspension is achieved, but the process is long and imprecise due to manual operation and rod elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated motor-driven winches. Each cable is wound on a winch controlled by a motor, eliminating manual turning of threaded rods. The system incorporates sensors and control units that automatically adjust cable length, compensate for elongation, and synchronize lowering across multiple formwork elements, achieving precise control without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors monitor cable tension, formwork position, and winch operation in real-time. The control unit receives this feedback and automatically adjusts motor operation to maintain precise formwork positioning, compensate for cable elongation under load, and ensure synchronized lowering. This closed-loop control eliminates the imprecision of manual operation.
3Ease of operation
If operators manually lower formwork with threaded rods, then suspension control is possible, but synchronization between operators is difficult and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal automated control system that manages all formwork lowering operations through a single integrated platform. The control unit coordinates multiple winches simultaneously, allowing one operator to control the entire lowering process rather than requiring multiple operators to work in coordination. This multi-functional system handles suspension, positioning, and synchronization automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-servicing automation where the system automatically performs the lowering operation without human physical intervention. Motors drive the winches, sensors monitor positions, and control algorithms adjust cable lengths in real-time. The system serves itself by automatically compensating for elongation and synchronizing multiple formwork elements, eliminating the need for coordinated manual labor.
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
This method allows for precise and reliable lowering of formwork in increments, improving the quality and consistency of underground floor construction by eliminating ground support-related issues and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge has a lower face forming a bearing surface for an abutment member and an upper face forming a bearing surface for another abutment member; the actuator has a movable part controlled in translation between several positions
Implementation Method 2
several stop members being provided at adjustable locations on the suspension bars; the formwork is lowered by lowering the bars in successive stages by acting both on the positions of the abutment members and on the positions of the moving parts of the actuators
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The method involves providing lower and upper hold parts (41, 42) with a movable upper surface for supporting abutment elements (31-33). The lower hold part is located on an upper floor around a bar (2). Actuators (5) are positioned on the upper floor beside the bars. The upper hold part is positioned on a support (52) of a moving part and around the bars. One of the abutment elements is positioned above the upper hold part. A suspended formwork (1) is lowered by lowering the bars in successive stages while acting on positions of the abutment elements and the moving part. An independent claim is also included for a kit for building an underground structure with a suspended formwork.