Universal Brick Guard Structure for Modular Scaffold Fixing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brick guards designed for tube and coupler scaffolding systems are not compatible with modular scaffolding systems, and there is a need for a brick guard that can securely engage with both types of scaffolding while allowing for easy stacking and storage.

Innovation Solution

A brick guard with clips for engaging a toe board and clasps for engaging with scaffolding members, featuring a rib that accommodates connector fittings, is designed to fit both modular and tube and coupler scaffolding systems, using plastic materials for reduced weight and wind resistance, with a lattice structure for enhanced strength and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a brick guard is designed for tube and coupler scaffolding, then it can securely engage with tube and coupler systems, but it is not compatible with modular scaffolding systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different scaffolding systemsVSAvoiddesign complexity for multiple connection types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brick guard is designed with dual connection mechanisms: clips for engaging toe boards and clasps for engaging scaffolding members. This universal design allows the same brick guard to be compatible with both tube and coupler scaffolding systems and modular scaffolding systems, eliminating the need for different designs for different systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a brick guard uses a solid panel structure, then it provides complete coverage, but it increases wind resistance and structural strain on scaffolding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidpanel coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The brick guard panel features a lattice structure with openwork patterns instead of being completely solid. This porous design reduces wind resistance and the resulting structural strain on scaffolding while still providing adequate coverage to prevent bricks from falling through. The lattice structure maintains structural integrity while allowing wind to pass through.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If a brick guard is designed with secure engagement features, then it provides stable fixation, but it becomes more difficult to stack and store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidstacking convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brick guard is divided into distinct functional components: the panel section for coverage and the engagement features (clips and clasps) for secure attachment. This segmentation allows the engagement features to be designed for stability while the overall structure maintains stacking capability through the modular nature of these separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12565780B2Brick guard

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 J MAC SAFETY SYST LTD

AI summary

A brick guard for use with a scaffolding system, the brick guard is made from a panel with upper and lower edges and at least one clip for engaging a toe board is disclosed. The toe board clip(s) are provided at a lower part of the panel. The brick guard also has at least one clasp for engaging with a scaffolding member, where each clasp is provided at an upper edge of the panel. The brick guard may also have at least one rib projecting from a first face of the panel, wherein the rib defines a channel on a second opposing face of the panel. Each clasp may have at least one strut member and a leaf member connected to the strut member(s), wherein the leaf member is substantially hemicylindrical.