Balcony Self-Latching Bracket Assembly for Safer Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balcony installation methods pose safety risks to workers due to elevated work conditions and require substantial time, involving crane usage and multiple handling steps, which increases installation time and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A balcony system with a latch assembly that securely fastens to a construction without manual worker input, allowing the balcony to be lifted into position and latched to wall brackets, distributing weight across multiple points for stable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually align and bolt the balcony into position using traditional methods, then the balcony can be securely attached to the construction, but worker safety is compromised due to elevated work conditions and manual handling risks
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed to automatically engage and secure the balcony bracket to the wall bracket without requiring manual bolt tightening or worker intervention at height. The self-latching mechanism performs the securing function autonomously, eliminating the need for workers to manually align and bolt the balcony while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional manual bolt-fastening system is replaced with an automated latch assembly that uses a different mechanical engagement mechanism. The latch assembly incorporates a latch member that automatically engages with the wall bracket when the balcony is positioned, substituting the manual bolt-tightening process with a self-actuating latching mechanism that reduces worker exposure to height-related dangers.
2Reliability
If the crane remains in position to support the balcony during manual alignment and bolting, then the balcony can be securely fastened, but the crane cannot be reused for other tasks and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is pre-configured on the balcony bracket before installation, so that when the balcony is lifted into position by the crane, the latching mechanism is already ready to engage automatically with the wall bracket. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the crane to remain in position during manual alignment and bolting operations, allowing the crane to be released and reused for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-latching mechanism performs the securing action autonomously upon engagement, eliminating the need for prolonged crane support during manual fastening operations. Once the balcony bracket is positioned and the latch assembly automatically engages with the wall bracket, the crane can be released without compromising the security of the attachment.
3Reliability
If workers use elevated platforms or scaffolds to access the balcony for alignment and bolting, then the balcony can be securely attached, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly automatically performs the attachment function without requiring worker access to the balcony for manual bolt tightening. The self-latching mechanism engages and secures the balcony bracket to the wall bracket autonomously, eliminating the need for workers to use elevated platforms or scaffolds for the fastening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual fastening operation is extracted from the installation process and replaced by the automated latch assembly. The latch assembly incorporates all necessary fastening functionality within its design, removing the need for separate manual bolt-tightening steps and the associated equipment requirements for worker safety and access.
Data Source
AI summary
A balcony for attachment to a construction, there being a plurality of wall brackets fitted to the construction, the balcony comprising: a plurality of balcony brackets on one side of the balcony which are arranged to engage with the plurality of wall brackets, including a first balcony bracket arranged to engage with a first wall bracket and a second balcony bracket arranged to engage with a second wall bracket, so as to cause the weight of the balcony to be supported by the construction when the balcony is arranged in a mounted position, wherein the first balcony bracket is spaced apart from the second balcony bracket in a substantially vertical direction; and a latch assembly which is configured, when the balcony is arranged in the mounted position, to latch the first balcony bracket to the first wall bracket to securely attach the balcony to the construction.