Adjustable Spacer Scaffold Connector for Consistent Beam Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in connection elements for scaffolding lack a consistent installation position, leading to variable height positioning of vertical beams when changing scaffolding depths, due to the design-dependent positioning influenced by lift-off safety elements.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connection element with an adjustable spacer element and a U-shaped connection section, featuring a hollow plug-in connection mandrel and ring-like stop sleeve, ensures stable and consistent positioning by allowing the spacer element to be displaced and locked relative to the connecting element body, using locking openings and a locking element to maintain alignment with other scaffolding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lift-off safety elements are used to secure hooks in U-profile beams, then safety against unintentional detachment is improved, but the positioning of plug-in connection elements becomes variable depending on the design and thickness of the anti-lift elements
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the U-profile beam and the plug-in connection element. This spacer absorbs the variability in anti-lift element thickness and provides a consistent reference surface, ensuring that the plug-in connection element is positioned at a uniform height regardless of the anti-lift element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the U-profile beam with anti-lift elements, the spacer element, and the plug-in connection element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall positioning consistency through the spacer interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable scaffolding depths are implemented with lower depth in upper area, then adaptability to different construction needs is improved, but the ability to connect vertical bars by plugging them into one another is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed connection method (direct plugging of vertical bars) to a dynamic, adaptable connection system using plug-in connection elements with spacers. This allows the scaffolding depth to be dynamically adjusted while maintaining connection capability through the standardized plug-in interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in connection element serves multiple functions: it provides a connection interface for vertical bars, accommodates variable scaffolding depths through adjustable spacers, and ensures consistent positioning. This multi-functionality enables both adaptability and ease of operation in the same component.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A plug-in connection element for a scaffold, in particular a construction scaffold, comprises a connecting element body (22) with a connection area (22) for connecting to a first scaffold element (10) and a plug-in connection area (26) for creating a plug connection with a second scaffold element to be coupled to the first scaffold element (10), further comprising a spacer element (48) adjustable with respect to the connecting element body (22) for specifying a relative positioning of the connecting element body (22) with respect to a first scaffold element (10).