Adjustable Construction Opening Guard with Telescopic Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-floor buildings, existing solutions for protecting the space between floors to prevent accidental drops often hinder access for people and objects, limiting the usability of the space for passage or transfer.
Innovation Solution
A constructional unit with a U-shaped support frame and telescopic engagement, adjustable to fit various gaps, combined with a pivotable leg and a platform member that can be partially openwork for visibility and secure closure, allowing adjustable positioning and secure access between floors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection mechanism is installed to prevent accidental drops through the opening, then safety is improved, but access for people and objects is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The platform member is designed to be movable between a retracted position (allowing access) and an extended position (providing protection). This dynamic configuration enables the safety device to adapt its state based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between safety and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The protection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the support frame structure and the movable platform member. This segmentation allows the platform to be independently positioned to either block or clear the opening, enabling selective activation of safety function without permanently obstructing access
2Reliability
If a fixed protection structure is used to secure the opening, then safety is improved, but adaptability to different gap sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side arms incorporate telescopic engagement mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the support frame to match various gap dimensions. This enables the same safety device to be adapted to different installation scenarios while maintaining secure protection
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of telescopic side arms and adjustable platform positioning gives the device universal applicability across multiple gap sizes and configurations. A single device design can serve multiple functions by adjusting its dimensions and platform position rather than requiring different fixed structures for each scenario
Data Source
AI summary
A constructional unit comprising: a support frame which is O-shaped in plan bounding an open central region, the support frame including first and second members which are each U-shaped in plan, each member being in the form of a base frame from which extend two side arms; the first and second members having their side arms telescopically engaged to define sides to the open central region of the O-shaped support frame; the telescopic engagement providing for—the spacing of the first base frame from the second base frame to be adjustable over a range of distance; and the temporary securing of the first member to the second member at a predetermined spacing; the base frame of the first member being adapted for location at a first level at a first working location; the second member being adapted, at a position remote from the first member, for location at a second level at a second working location by way of at least one leg pivotably attached at or near one end of the, or each, leg to the base frame of the second member or to a side arm thereof; the opposite end to the one end of the, or each, leg being adapted for location on the second working location; the second level being offset from and below the first level.