Collapsible Utility Scaffold Modular Design for Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility scaffolds occupy a large amount of space during storage and shipment, leading to increased costs for shipping and storage, as they are typically unitary in construction and not designed for efficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible utility scaffold with releasable connections, including male and female portions with tapered interfaces, allows for disassembly into compact components, reducing space requirements without compromising strength or rigidity, using a combination of straight and angled connectors for secure and torsionally rigid assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the scaffold is constructed as a unitary frame, then the structural strength and rigidity are maintained, but the space requirement for storage and shipping increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is divided into separate modular components including ladder frames, cross braces, and platform sections that can be independently stored and transported. Each component maintains its structural integrity while the overall system volume is reduced when disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold components are designed to nest within each other when disassembled, with smaller elements fitting inside larger ones, maximizing space utilization during storage and shipping while maintaining full structural capability when assembled.
2Volume of stationary object
If the scaffold is made collapsible with releasable connections, then the space requirement for storage is reduced, but the structural rigidity and connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold employs dynamic releasable connections that provide rigid, stable joints when assembled for use, yet allow easy disassembly when not in use. The connections transition from a fixed rigid state during operation to a movable disassembled state for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connections are segmented into separate male and female portions with standardized interfaces that maintain structural rigidity when joined but enable straightforward separation, balancing the need for both stability and collapsibility.
3Reliability
If conventional unitary scaffolds are used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the shipping and storage costs increase due to large space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the scaffold into modular components, the system reduces the volume required for shipping and storage, directly lowering logistics costs while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces and quality materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility scaffold is designed to be repeatedly broken down into straighter components to reduce the space requirement for storage and shipment. The scaffold has first and second ladder frames, each comprising a plurality of vertical supports, a plurality of horizontal supports, and a plurality of releasable connections. The horizontal supports are releasably connected to the vertical supports by the releasable connections to form a rigid ladder frame structure. The releasable connections include a male wedge protrusion and a female receiver configured to receive the male wedge protrusion. The female receiver has a passage therethrough, with the passage having a tapered interior surface. The male wedge protrusion and the tapered interior surface are configured to abut when the vertical support and the horizontal support are mounted together via the releasable connection. A fastener is optionally used to secure the releasable connection.