Folding Scaffold Hinge Layout for Flat-Collapse Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding utility scaffolds face interference between components of the hinge assembly and ladder frame, limiting the degree to which they can be collapsed, thus increasing shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
The ladder frame and hinge assembly are designed to avoid interference by using offset tongues on ladder rungs and angled cross braces, allowing the scaffold to fold into a compact configuration without component collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge assembly and ladder frame are designed with traditional configurations, then the scaffold can be assembled and disassembled, but the components interfere with each other during folding, limiting the degree of collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within the ladder frame structure during folding. The hinge pins are received within openings in the ladder frame members, and the hinge assembly components are positioned to fit within the spatial envelope of the ladder frame when collapsed, enabling the ladder frames to be disposed in side-by-side relation with minimal clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the ladder frames, with hinge pins extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ladder frame members. This dimensional reorientation allows the hinge components to clear the ladder frame components during folding, eliminating interference while maintaining structural integrity
2Area of stationary object
If the scaffold is designed to fold completely flat with ladder frames touching, then shipping space is minimized, but component interference prevents full collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is extracted from the traditional configuration where it would interfere with ladder frame contact, and repositioned so that hinge pins are received in openings that are offset from the contact surfaces of the ladder frames. This extraction allows the ladder frames to touch or come into substantial contact during folding while the hinge assembly operates in a separate spatial zone
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly and ladder frame are pre-configured with specific geometric relationships during manufacturing - hinge pins are positioned at predetermined locations, openings are cut at specific angles and positions, and cross braces are angled to clear other components. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures that when folding occurs, components naturally clear each other without requiring complex adjustment or force
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed invention relates to a folding utility scaffold that greatly reduces the space requirement for shipment when the utility scaffold is in the folded configuration while maintaining or increasing stability. The scaffold includes first and second ladder frames and a hinge assembly interconnecting the ladder frames. The scaffold comprises first and second ladder frames and a hinge assembly interconnecting the ladder frames. The hinge assembly enables movement of the scaffold between an unfolded configuration in which the ladder frames are spaced apart and a folded configuration in which the ladder frames are disposed side by side, i.e., with the ladder frames touching. The ladder frame and hinge assembly are designed to avoid interference between components of the hinge assembly and components of the ladder frame in the folded configuration so that the ladder frames can be disposed in side-by-side relation in the folded configuration.