Wedge Element with Displaceable Fastening for Wall Formwork Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices for wall formwork in concrete construction often lose their wedges or become difficult to insert, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies in the construction process.
Innovation Solution
A wedge element with a displaceable fastening device is integrated into a spacer bar, allowing it to be pre-fixed and then securely attached to a reinforcing rod, preventing loss and simplifying the insertion process by enabling manual pre-fixation before final driving with a tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wedge is connected to the spacer bar, then the wedge cannot be lost, but it becomes impossible to insert by hand between the reinforcing bar and the spacer bar
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device transitions from a loose state during insertion to a fixed state after positioning. The wedge can be freely inserted when loose, then automatically fastens to the spacer bar upon engagement with the reinforcing bar, achieving both ease of insertion and secure retention through a dynamic state change.
2Ease of operation
If the wedge is supplied loose with the spacer bar, then it can be inserted by hand, but it can be lost during the construction process
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is pre-equipped with a fastening device that remains inactive during insertion but automatically engages after the wedge is positioned between the reinforcing bar and spacer bar. This preliminary preparation ensures the wedge can be easily inserted by hand while guaranteeing it will be securely retained afterward, preventing loss.
3Reliability
If a tool is required to drive the wedge between the reinforcing bar and spacer bar, then secure fastening is achieved, but manual pre-fixation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing manual pre-fixation in an initial loose state and subsequent tool-driven tightening to achieve final secure fastening. This dynamic design enables both manual positioning and tool-assisted securing without requiring the wedge to be permanently fixed.
4Reliability
If the wedge is driven in completely between the reinforcing bar and spacer bar, then secure attachment is achieved, but the operator must manually hold the wedge during driving, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge performs preliminary manual insertion and positioning while still in a loose state, allowing the operator to safely position it without manual holding during the high-force driving phase. The fastening device then secures the wedge in its final position, eliminating the need for the operator to manually hold it during tool-driven insertion and preventing injury.
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 ensures the wedge element is securely attached, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying the construction process by allowing pre-fixation without manual holding during final insertion, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge-shaped main body (1b) with a first and a second effective surface (4a, 4b) that causes a wedge effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A wedge element (1) comprises a fastening device (1a) for attaching the wedge element (1) to a positioning device (8) for positioning wall formwork (11) when constructing a wall (10) on a reinforced concrete element (12). The wedge element (1) is designed to fix the positioning device (8) to a reinforcing bar (9) of the concrete element (12). The wedge element (1) comprises a wedge-shaped main body (1b) and can be fastened to a spacer bar (6) of the positioning device (8) by means of the fastening device (1a). The fastening device (1a) is connected to the main body (1b) such that the main body (1b) is displaceable relative to the fastening device (1a) substantially in the direction of the wedge action (K) of the wedge element (1) and in the opposite direction. A spacer (7) comprises a wedge element (1), a spacer bar (6), and stop elements (6a).A positioning device comprises a spacer (7) and a profile (5).