Collapsible Fall Barrier for Formwork Penetration Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-storey building construction sites, workers face a significant risk of falling into formwork penetrations when steel reinforcement cages are being lowered, as conventional safety measures like plywood boards are often ineffective in preventing accidental falls due to workers' focus on the cage maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and portable fall safety barrier system comprising anchor means, pivotally mounted collapsible barrier means, and linking barrier means, which can be easily assembled and disassembled to cover and uncover the penetration, providing a safe working environment by forming a complete barrier around the hole when in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plywood board is used to cover the penetration, then the penetration is covered, but the board provides inadequate protection and must be removed to lower the reinforcement cage
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed as a dynamic structure that can pivot between a horizontal covered position and an upright protective position. The barrier means are pivotally mounted to allow easy transition between states, providing both coverage and protection without requiring complete removal
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is divided into multiple independent barrier means that can be individually pivoted and positioned. Each barrier means can be independently raised to provide protection while allowing selective access for cage lowering operations
2Ease of operation
If the plywood board is removed to lower the reinforcement cage, then the cage can be maneuvered into position, but workers are exposed to fall risk
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier means are positioned to provide protection before workers can accidentally step into the penetration. The barrier remains in place during cage lowering operations, and workers can raise it temporarily if needed, preventing the fall hazard while allowing necessary operations
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier means act as an intermediary protective element between workers and the penetration hazard. It can be selectively raised or lowered to mediate between the need for protection and the need for access during cage operations
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional plywood board with warning paint is used, then the penetration is covered, but it does not provide reliable fall protection
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier means are designed as simple, lightweight structures that pivot easily between horizontal and upright positions. The simple construction allows easy manual operation while the upright position provides reliable fall protection that a static plywood board cannot achieve
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 system effectively prevents workers from stepping close to the penetration by forming a complete barrier around the hole, reducing the risk of falls and providing a safe working environment both in collapsed and upright states, with the added advantage of being simple, lightweight, and inexpensive to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
first collapsible barrier means pivotally mounted about a first pivot location of the anchor means, second collapsible barrier means pivotally mounted about a second pivot location of the anchor means
Data Source
AI summary
A fall safety barrier for use around a hole has anchor means removably secured adjacent a perimeter of the hole, first collapsible barrier means pivotally mounted about a first pivot location of the anchor means, and second collapsible barrier means pivotally mounted about a second pivot location of the anchor means opposite the first location. There are means for allowing the first collapsible barrier means to pivot between a first contracted position, where it lays upon the second collapsible barrier means, and a first expanded position, where it is upright and forms a first side of the fall safety barrier. There are also means for allowing the second collapsible barrier means to pivot between a second contracted position, where it lays adjacent the anchor means, and a second expanded position, where it is upright and forms a second side of the fall safety barrier opposite the first side. First linking barrier means are located between adjacent first ends of the first and second collapsible barrier means and form a third side of the fall safety barrier. Second linking barrier means are located between adjacent second ends of the first and second collapsible barrier means and form a fourth side of the fall safety barrier opposite the third side.