Coded Scaffold Component with Spring-Lock Information Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction components, such as scaffolding and formwork, lack efficient and easy methods for reliably attaching information carriers like RFID tags, which are prone to falling out due to poor attachment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coded construction component design featuring a casing body with latching and spring elements that securely clamp an information carrier within a structural component's cavity, allowing easy insertion and compensation for tolerances, with the casing body being made of injection-molded plastic for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing attachment mechanisms are used for information carriers, then the attachment process is simple, but the information carrier is prone to falling out due to poor reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a casing body with an opening, locking elements that extend into the opening, and spring elements that provide forcing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity of the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements automatically exert forcing on the locking elements to engage with the structural component without requiring additional fastening operations. The information carrier self-secures through the elastic forcing mechanism, eliminating the need for complex fastening procedures while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If a secure clamping mechanism is implemented, then the information carrier is reliably held, but the insertion process requires more force and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable during insertion. As the information carrier is inserted, the locking elements flex outward to accommodate the structural component, then automatically spring back to engage securely. This dynamic behavior allows easy insertion while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements provide variable forcing that changes during the insertion process. Initially, the forcing is minimal to facilitate easy insertion, then increases automatically as the locking elements engage with the structural component, ensuring secure clamping without requiring excessive insertion force.
3Reliability
If the information carrier is tightly secured in the cavity, then it prevents falling out, but it becomes difficult to remove or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic spring elements and flexible locking elements create a reversible attachment mechanism. The same dynamic properties that enable secure clamping during normal operation allow the information carrier to be easily removed by applying force in the opposite direction, facilitating replacement without permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned to engage with features on the structural component, creating secure attachment during installation and use. However, the design anticipates future removal by maintaining elastic flexibility, allowing the locking elements to disengage cleanly when removal force is applied.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment mechanism accommodates manufacturing tolerances, then it works with varying component dimensions, but the attachment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements provide adjustable forcing that automatically compensates for variations in component dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances. The elastic deformation of the spring elements absorbs dimensional variations, maintaining secure attachment across a range of tolerances without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional segments that can independently accommodate tolerances. The locking elements handle positional alignment, while the spring elements handle dimensional variations, allowing each segment to optimize its function without increasing overall complexity.
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 solution ensures reliable and secure attachment of information carriers, preventing them from falling out while allowing for easy installation with minimal effort, and accommodating manufacturing tolerances, thus enhancing the durability and usability of coded construction components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element is formed on the lateral surface and/or on the bottom surface, with which the information carrier rests against the bottom of the cavity in its mounted position, and in particular, that the at least one spring element is under preload in the mounted position and presses the outer body against the underside of the wall with at least one locking element formed on the lateral surface of the information carrier
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a coded structural component comprising a structural component, in particular a scaffolding component or a formwork component, and an information carrier (1), wherein the information carrier (1) comprises an identification means (2) and a surrounding shell body (3), wherein the structural component comprises a wall with an opening bounded by an annularly circumferential wall edge and a cavity, the cavity being accessible through the opening. The information carrier (1) is held in the cavity by its shell body (3) resting against an underside of the wall facing into the cavity and by resting against a floor of the cavity opposite the opening.