Auto-Folding Support Frame With Linkage-Based Robotic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction scaffolding assembly on lower-level floors is labor-intensive and dangerous, requiring frequent climbing and carrying of components, which increases energy consumption and risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
An auto-assembled-and-folded support frame with expandable and foldable straight rod assemblies and linkage assemblies, allowing for automatic assembly and disassembly using a robotic arm, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing climbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assembly of scaffolding is used, then workers can assemble and disassemble the structure, but workers must climb up and down frequently consuming lots of energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame employs dynamic linkage assemblies with pivot joints that enable the structure to transition between folded and expanded states. The linkage assemblies include first and second upper rods, first and second lower rods, joint seats, and connecting seats that pivot relative to each other, allowing automatic expansion and folding without manual assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is designed to be self-assembling through its linkage mechanism. When the linkage assemblies are in the expanded state with joint seats and connecting seats attached, the structure automatically maintains its configuration without requiring workers to manually assemble each component, thereby eliminating the need for frequent climbing and carrying.
2Ease of operation
If manual assembly of scaffolding is used, then workers can assemble and disassemble the structure, but workers face danger when climbing while carrying things
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical assembly process with an automated linkage mechanism. The linkage assemblies with pivot joints and connecting seats create a self-contained system that expands and folds automatically, eliminating the need for workers to climb while carrying components and thereby removing the associated safety risks.
3Strength
If the support frame is in expanded state, then the structure provides full support, but the structure occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame design allows the linkage assemblies to be nested when in the folded state. The first and second upper rods, first and second lower rods, joint seats, and connecting seats can be positioned within each other or against the straight rod assemblies, creating a compact configuration that minimizes space occupation while maintaining the ability to expand to full structural support when needed.
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 support frame enhances safety and efficiency by enabling quick expansion and folding, reducing labor costs and construction time, while minimizing the risk of accidents through automated assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first upper rod and the second upper rod each have a bottom end pivotally connected to the joint seat. A top end of the at least one first upper rod is pivotally connected to one of the two corresponding straight rod assemblies.
Implementation Method 2
multiple linkage assemblies are connected to be expandable and foldable
Implementation Method 3
The connecting seat and the joint seat are attached to or detached from each other selectively. When the support frame is in an expanded state, the joint seat and the connecting seat of each one of the multiple linkage assemblies are attached to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A support frame that can be assembled automatically comprises multiple straight rod assemblies and multiple linkage assemblies. The straight rod assemblies are arranged at intervals in a rectangular shape. Each linkage assemblies connects two straight rod assemblies and comprises multiple upper rods, one joint seat connected to the upper rods, multiple lower rods, and one connecting seat connected to the lower rods. When the joint seat is attached to the connecting seat, the support frame and the straight rod assemblies are expanded. When the joint seat is detached from the connecting seat, the support frame and the straight rod assemblies are folded. All aforementioned actions can be easily achieved by operating a pressure ring assembly, which is already attached on the straight rod assemblies. The support frame is convenient for storage, saves transportation space, and can be automatically stacked and set up scaffolding with automated equipment.