Modular Edge Protection System 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 at panel interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular edge protection system comprising initial and angled edge units, modular intersection parts, and bridging pins made of steel, with formwork and anchorage lengths, and a retaining clip system that allows for efficient alignment and secure coupling of panels, along with adjustable support feet and dowel plates to minimize damage and facilitate 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 modular components including straight edge units, angled edge units, and intersection parts that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for faster installation while maintaining protective effectiveness, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable support feet and flexible coupling mechanisms that allow the structure to adapt to varying installation conditions and panel movements. This dynamic capability enables quick adaptation during installation without compromising the protective function, addressing both installation efficiency and protection reliability.
2Reliability
If existing edge protection systems are used to protect concrete flooring panels, then edge damage is minimized, but installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is composed of standardized modular units (straight edge units, angled edge units, intersection parts) that can be combined in various configurations to accommodate different panel layouts and intersection angles. This modularity provides both structural reliability and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can be used across different positions and configurations in the system. The same basic units can serve multiple functions depending on their arrangement, enhancing both reliability through proven design and flexibility through versatile application.
3Stability of the object's composition
If modular intersection parts with bridging pins are used, then alignment and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intersection part integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, enables panel alignment through built-in guidance features, and connects multiple edge units through integrated coupling points. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining stability, resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging pin serves as an intermediary element that simplifies the connection between intersection parts and edge units. Rather than requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms, the bridging pin provides a simple, standardized interface that ensures stable alignment while reducing the overall complexity of the assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
An edge protection system for use with concrete flooring, including an initial edge unit having a first part and a second part, the first part for coupling to an edge portion of a first concrete flooring panel and the second part for coupling to an opposed edge portion of a second, neighbouring, concrete flooring panel, the system also including an angled edge unit having a first part and a second part, the first part for coupling to another edge portion of the second concrete flooring panel and the second part for coupling to an opposed edge portion of a third, neighbouring, concrete flooring panel, and a modular intersection part at an intersection of the first to third panels, wherein the modular intersection part is adapted to be coupled to the initial edge unit with the initial edge unit extending radially from the modular intersection part in a first direction, and wherein the modular intersection part is adapted to be coupled to the angled edge unit with the angled edge unit extending radially from the modular intersection part in a second direction at an angle to the first direction.