Modular Edge Protection System with Retaining Clip for Concrete Flooring
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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 between panels.
Innovation Solution
A modular edge protection system with a retaining clip and bridging pins that allows for efficient installation and alignment, featuring L-shaped cut-outs for secure engagement and separation, and support feet for stability, ensuring the system is aligned and rigid during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing edge protection systems are used to protect concrete flooring panels, then damage to panel edges is reduced, but installation time increases and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The edge protection system is divided into multiple modular components including first parts, second parts, and retaining clips that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for pre-fabrication and rapid on-site assembly, reducing installation time while maintaining protective effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip incorporates a frangible portion that transitions from a connected state during installation to a separated state after concrete setting. This dynamic change allows the system to be easily assembled and disassembled during installation, then provides rigid protection once installed, addressing both installation speed and protective reliability.
2Reliability
If existing edge protection systems are used to protect concrete flooring panels, then panel edge damage is minimized, but system flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design with separate first parts, second parts, and retaining clips enables the system to adapt to different panel configurations and installation scenarios. Components can be selectively assembled and disassembled to accommodate varying site requirements while maintaining consistent protective performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible retaining clip allows the system to dynamically transition between installed and removed states, providing flexibility during installation and maintenance while ensuring stable protection during service. This dynamic characteristic enhances adaptability without compromising protective reliability.
3Productivity
If modular edge protection system with retaining clip is used, then installation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into modular components does increase structural complexity, it enables pre-fabrication and standardized assembly procedures that significantly improve installation efficiency. The modular first parts, second parts, and retaining clips can be manufactured independently and assembled rapidly on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible retaining clip introduces a dynamic element that simplifies the installation process by allowing easy connection and disconnection during assembly, then providing rigid fixation once installed. This dynamic mechanism improves productivity while the complexity is confined to a single specialized component rather than the entire system.
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 system includes a retaining clip for retaining the second part to the first part, and the first part is slideable relative to the second part to engage the retaining clip against removal from the first and second parts.