Scaffold Connector and Foldable Plans Table for Linked Work Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffolds lack a dedicated space for reviewing plans or documents and often require multiple units to be securely locked together for safe user access, complicating work efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A scaffold with a foldable plans table and a connector system featuring spring arms and pin arms that allows for easy document viewing and secure linking of multiple scaffolds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple scaffolds are placed next to each other to extend work area, then coverage area is increased, but stability and safety deteriorate due to lack of secure connection between scaffolds
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple scaffold units into a single integrated structure by mechanically joining their legs together. The spring arm and pin arm engage with the target scaffold leg to create a unified, stable configuration that maintains reliability while extending coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses a dynamic locking mechanism where the spring arm can be easily engaged and disengaged. The spring-loaded design allows for quick connection and disconnection while maintaining secure, stable joining during use, enabling flexible reconfiguration of scaffold systems.
2Productivity
If plans table is added to scaffold for document viewing, then work efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plans table is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as a structural element of the scaffold and as a document viewing surface. It can be positioned at various heights and angles, allowing it to function as both a platform extension and a work surface, thereby improving productivity without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The plans table is made movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing users to position it at different heights and angles depending on the task requirements. This dynamic design provides versatile functionality while maintaining a relatively simple structure that can be easily integrated into existing scaffold configurations.
3Ease of operation
If plans table is made supportable by user weight for climbing access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential structural compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The plans table is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a document viewing surface and a temporary climbing surface. By making it capable of supporting user weight, the design eliminates the need for separate climbing aids, improving ease of operation while maintaining structural integrity through proper load distribution across the scaffold framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold structure is designed with inherent load-bearing capacity to accommodate the additional weight of users climbing on or standing near the plans table. The vertical legs and crossbars are configured to distribute these loads safely, providing structural cushioning that prevents compromise of reliability while enabling improved accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A scaffold having a structure assembly. The scaffold has a frame attached to the assembly. The frame having a deck upon which a user can stand that is disposed inside the rectangle. The deck has a plans table. The plans table has a closed position in which the plans table is flat and can support a weight of a user standing on the plans table, and has an open position in which the plans table is at an angle on which plans, drawings or documents can be placed on the plans table for viewing by a user standing on ground. A scaffold having connectors. A method of using a scaffold. A method for connecting a first scaffold to a second scaffold. A method for making a scaffold with connectors. A method for making a scaffold having a plans table.