Formwork Scaffold Connector for Multi-Level Bracing and Fall Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formwork scaffolds are limited by safety regulations requiring fall prevention devices every 2 meters and cannot support more than two levels of accessible platforms, restricting their use and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A connector system for connecting scaffolds, including an elongate body with ends for vertical standards and a connector ring for bracing members, along with bracing members and deck boards, allowing multiple levels of platforms with integrated fall prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If formwork is used to eliminate labor costs, then labor costs are reduced, but the scaffold cannot support more than two levels due to safety regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is divided into modular bay units that can be independently connected vertically. Each bay contains standardized components (vertical standards, horizontal bearers, bracing members) that can be replicated and stacked to create multi-level structures, transforming the limited two-level formwork into an extendable multi-level scaffold system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector designed in this patent serves multiple functions: it connects vertical standards to horizontal bearers, provides attachment points for bracing members, and enables both load-bearing and fall prevention functions. This multi-functional connector allows the same structural system to simultaneously support multiple levels while meeting safety requirements.
2Reliability
If formwork frames are not designed to bear more load than two levels, then safety regulations are met, but load-bearing capacity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Bracing members are pre-installed within each bay unit during manufacturing or assembly, creating a rigid triangulated structure before the scaffold is erected. This preliminary bracing ensures that each bay unit possesses sufficient structural integrity and load-bearing capacity to support multiple levels, rather than relying on post-assembly modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold structure transitions from a simple two-dimensional formwork to a three-dimensional space frame by adding vertical bracing members and diagonal cross-bracing. This dimensional enhancement creates rigid triangular configurations that significantly increase the overall load-bearing capacity and structural stability of the multi-level scaffold.
3Reliability
If fall prevention devices are added to formwork, then safety is improved, but the framework cannot support further levels
Solution Approach 1:
The fall prevention system is merged with the load-bearing scaffold structure itself. The vertical standards and horizontal bearers that provide structural support also serve as the attachment framework for fall prevention railings and guardrails. This integration eliminates the need for separate support structures, allowing the same framework to simultaneously prevent falls and support multiple operational levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical standards serve dual purposes: they provide structural support for the scaffold levels and simultaneously serve as attachment points for fall prevention devices. This multi-functionality allows the framework to bear loads from multiple levels while also providing integrated fall protection, resolving the contradiction between safety and load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (200) for connecting a first scaffold (10) to a second scaffold (20), each scaffold (10, 20) having: one or more vertical standards (12, 22); and one or more bracing members (14, 24). The connector (200) having an elongate body (210) extending along a connector axis (202), the body (210) including: a first end (212) adapted to engage a top end of the one or more vertical standards (12) of the first scaffold (10); a second end (214) adapted to engage a bottom end of the one or more vertical standards (22) of the second scaffold (20); and a connector ring (216) disposed between the first end (212) and the second end (214) for engagement with one or more bracing members (400, 600, 800) extending away from the connector axis (202).