Guard Rail Plate Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems with U-profile rails face difficulties in adjusting the plate's vertical alignment due to the rail's stiffness and torsional rigidity, making it hard to accommodate curved or corrugated plates without costly deformation processes.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a U-profile rail or rectangular support plate that simulates the plate's bends or curves, attached via adhesive, allowing for uncomplicated adjustment and precise force absorption, enabling the use of flat, concave, convex, or corrugated plates without deformation, using adjusting devices that act directly on the plate and pivot about a head or intermediate element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a U-profile rail with considerable strength and torsional rigidity is used to hold the plate, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of adjustment of the plate's vertical alignment deteriorates because the rail jams in the receiving chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two independent parts: a U-profile rail for structural support and separate adjusting devices for vertical alignment adjustment. The adjusting devices act directly on the plate rather than through the rigid rail, allowing independent optimization of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting devices serve as intermediaries between the operator and the plate, enabling adjustment without requiring deformation or movement of the rigid U-profile rail. These devices transmit adjustment forces directly to the plate while the rail remains stationary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the U-profile rail is deformed to adapt to curved or corrugated plates, then the adaptability to different plate contours is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to costly deformation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the rigid U-profile rail (providing structural support) and flexible support elements such as rectangular support plates or bending strips (adapting to plate contour). This allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without requiring the entire structure to be deformable.
Solution Approach 2:
Only specific local elements (rectangular support plates or bending strips) are designed to adapt to the plate's contour, while the main U-profile rail maintains its standard rigid form. This localized adaptation reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the required versatility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the U-profile rail is made larger to increase strength, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of adjusting the plate's vertical alignment deteriorates due to increased stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is separated from the structural support function. The large U-profile rail provides stable structural support while independent adjusting devices handle vertical alignment, eliminating the conflict between size/stability and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjusting devices act as intermediaries that enable vertical alignment adjustment without requiring the large rigid rail to move or deform. These devices transmit adjustment forces directly to the plate, bypassing the rigid rail structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The device (1) has a plate (2) e.g. planar plate, made of safety glass, and a channel rail (10) or polygonal support plates pivotably mounted in a transverse direction (4) of the plate in a limited manner. An adjustment device (21) is provided laterally beside the plate and runs vertical to a longitudinal direction of the plate. The adjustment device directly rests at a side wall (9) of a retainer chamber (7) and the plate. The adjustment device variably adjusts spacing between the plate and the side wall and is spatial disconnected from the channel rail or the support plates.