Vertical Formwork Assembly With Single-Face Tie Rod Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical formworks require assembly from two faces, necessitating two operators and complex fixation mechanisms, which complicates the process and increases the number of components that need to be managed during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A vertical formwork system that allows adjustment and assembly from one face using a threaded tie rod, a front anchor with a stop element that indirectly abuts the formwork panel, and a spacing tube with an intermediate bushing, eliminating the need for additional fixation means on the front formwork panel and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If assembly is performed from two faces using conventional fixation mechanisms, then the formwork panels can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires two operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional assembly approach by enabling single-face assembly. The stop element is designed to protrude through the formwork panel from the front, and the spacing tube is inserted from the same face, eliminating the need for rear-face operations. This inversion of the assembly direction allows one operator to complete the task that traditionally required two operators working from opposite faces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fixation function from complex multi-component mechanisms and consolidates it into a simplified system. The stop element serves multiple functions: it acts as a stop for the spacing tube, provides a reference for positioning, and enables fixation from the front face only. This extraction of essential functions reduces device complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
2Strength
If multiple fixation components are used to secure the formwork panels, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the number of components to be managed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fixation functions into a unified system. The stop element combines the positioning function, the spacing tube insertion guide, and the fixation reference into a single integrated component. The tie rod system is simplified to include only the essential elements (tie rod, stop element, spacing tube, and nut) while maintaining adequate connection strength through optimized geometry and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both a mechanical stop for the spacing tube and a positioning reference for the fixation process. The spacing tube itself serves dual purposes: maintaining the correct distance between formwork panels and guiding the tie rod during assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed.
3Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used with multiple sealing elements, then sealing effectiveness is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the spacing tube by integrating a sealing gasket directly onto the spacing tube. This single integrated sealing solution eliminates the need for separate sealing components and their associated fixation mechanisms. The sealing gasket is positioned to prevent concrete leakage at the critical interface between the spacing tube and the formwork panel, achieving reliable sealing with minimal complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Vertical formwork comprising at least a front formwork panel (2) and a rear formwork panel (3) facing one another, a threaded tie rod (6), a spacing tube (7), a front anchor (4), and a rear anchor (5). The front anchor (4) comprises a nut (8) and a stop element (10) crossed by the tie rod (6) arranged between the spacing tube (7) and the nut (8), the stop element (10) acting as a stop of the spacing tube (7) in the final assembly position. The stop element (10) is a tube swiveling in the housing (22) together with the tie rod (6) during assembly and indirectly abutting with the front formwork panel (2) when it reaches the final assembly position, such that the stop element (10) cannot move beyond its final assembly position.