Modular Edge Protection System With Bridging Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protection systems for concrete flooring panels are time-consuming to install and lack flexibility, often resulting in damage from heavy objects like forklifts due to excessive sloppiness and play at panel interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular edge protection system with steel bridging pins and PVC formwork lengths, featuring triangular apertures and retaining clips for alignment and secure anchoring, allowing for efficient and flexible installation by coupling modular lengths and accommodating panel contraction and expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional edge protection systems are used, then panel edges are protected from damage, but installation is time-consuming and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The edge protection system is divided into modular lengths that can be independently manufactured, transported, and installed. Each module contains integrated formwork and anchorage components, allowing rapid assembly without complex field fabrication while maintaining continuous edge protection along the concrete panel.
2Reliability
If traditional edge protection systems are used, then panel edges are protected, but the system has excessive sloppiness and play at panel interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods with a integrated formwork-anchorage module that uses sheet material folded into triangular apertures for precise positioning. The bridging pins fit through these apertures to provide rigid connection between modules, eliminating slop and play at joints.
3Productivity
If modular edge protection system with bridging pins is used, then installation is faster and more flexible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork length and anchorage length are merged into a single integrated module, with the sheet material folded to form both the structural formwork and the anchorage apertures. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining modular flexibility.
4Manufacturing precision
If modular lengths are coupled by bridging pins, then alignment and rigidity are improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging pins serve multiple functions: they connect adjacent modular lengths, provide alignment through the triangular aperture geometry, and contribute to the overall rigidity of the edge protection system. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component while achieving precision alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An edge protection system for use with concrete flooring, including a first part for coupling to an edge portion of a first concrete flooring panel and a second part for coupling to an opposed edge portion of a second, neighbouring, concrete flooring panel, wherein the protection system is provided in modular lengths, and wherein adjacent modular lengths are coupled by one or more bridging pins.