Guardrail Post Holder Formwork Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guardrail systems for construction platforms lack a secure and convenient method to attach vertical guardrail posts to formwork systems, which is crucial for creating a safely enclosed perimeter and preventing worker falls during construction processes.

Innovation Solution

A guardrail post holder with a spine, socket, and plate configuration that securely attaches to various components of the formwork system, receiving a vertical guardrail post and resisting applied loads, featuring a safety pin mechanism and adjustable orientation to ensure stability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a guardrail post holder is designed to securely attach to formwork components, then the reliability of fall protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefall protection reliabilityVSAvoidpost holder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guardrail post holder is divided into distinct functional segments: a plate for attaching to formwork components, a spine connecting the plate to the socket, and a socket for receiving the guardrail post. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The post holder is designed with universal attachment capabilities to connect to various formwork components (props, beams, panels) through different configurations of the plate and spine. The socket provides a standardized interface for all guardrail posts, enabling one device design to serve multiple functions and locations, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the guardrail post holder uses a safety pin mechanism for secure attachment, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety pin mechanism is pre-configured in the post holder design, with the pin positioned to automatically engage with the formwork component when the post holder is installed. This preliminary arrangement ensures reliable connection without requiring complex manual assembly steps, balancing safety with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the guardrail post holder is designed to resist applied loads effectively, then the strength of the guardrail system is improved, but the weight of the post holder increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload resistance capabilityVSAvoidpost holder weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The post holder employs local quality optimization by concentrating material and structural reinforcement only in critical load-bearing areas: the socket region that receives the guardrail post, the spine connection points, and the attachment zones on the plate. Non-critical areas use minimal material, reducing overall weight while maintaining sufficient strength to resist applied loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The post holder utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: a rigid material (such as metal or rigid plastic) for the load-bearing socket and spine, and a lighter material for the plate and non-structural components. This composite approach achieves required strength-to-weight ratio by assigning each material to its optimal functional role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20220049510A1Guardrail post holder for construction platform
Publication Date: 2022.02.17 CHARITOU GEORGE
  • US20220049510A1 patent drawing
  • US20220049510A1 patent drawing
  • US20220049510A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bracket configured to support a guardrail assembly of a construction platform.