Modular Facade Scaffold Segmentation for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collapsible facade scaffolding systems require significant effort and pose safety risks during assembly, particularly due to the need for additional components and the weight of scaffolding elements, which complicates handling and transport.

Innovation Solution

The use of U-, T-, and L-shaped scaffolding elements allows for the construction of a collapsible facade scaffolding system with improved safety and flexibility, eliminating the need for closed vertical frames and enabling easier assembly and transport by allowing the railing strut to be assembled within the normal structure without additional components, and using only two different elements to form all subsequent working levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If closed vertical frames are used to form lateral supports, then structural stability is improved, but the dead weight of scaffolding elements increases and handling becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddead weight of scaffolding elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The closed vertical frames are segmented into separate U-shaped and T-shaped scaffolding elements. The U-shaped elements form the vertical legs and base, while T-shaped elements are inserted into the U-shaped elements to complete the frame structure. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components that need to be handled and transported, while still achieving the structural stability of closed frames when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If additional components are used to secure railing struts during assembly, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety function for securing railing struts is merged into the normal scaffolding structure through the T-shaped elements. These elements include integrated linkages that directly attach to the railing struts during assembly, eliminating the need for separate additional components. The T-shaped element serves both structural support and safety linkage functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scaffolding structure itself provides the safety function through its inherent design. The T-shaped elements with their linkages enable the structure to self-secure the railing struts during assembly without requiring external safety devices or additional components. The normal scaffolding structure performs the safety function as part of its inherent capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If heavy scaffolding elements are used to ensure structural integrity, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of handling
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Heavy closed vertical frames are divided into lighter U-shaped and T-shaped elements that can be easily handled and transported. Individual U-shaped elements serve as vertical supports while T-shaped elements are inserted to provide horizontal bracing and structural integrity. This segmentation maintains the strength and stability of the complete frame while dramatically improving ease of handling during assembly and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scaffolding system transitions from static heavy closed frames to a dynamic assembly of modular U-shaped and T-shaped elements. These elements can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured on-site, providing structural integrity when needed while maintaining ease of operation during assembly and transport phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If closed vertical frames are used for base frame construction, then stability is improved, but transport and assembly effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase frame stabilityVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base frame construction uses segmented U-shaped and T-shaped elements instead of complete closed vertical frames. U-shaped elements form the vertical legs and base structure, while T-shaped elements are inserted to provide horizontal bracing and complete the frame geometry. This segmentation allows individual lightweight components to be transported separately and quickly assembled on-site, reducing transport costs and assembly time while maintaining base frame stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2602402B1Dismountable facade scaffold
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 ALTRAD PLETTAC ASSCO
  • EP2602402B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2602402B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2602402B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The scaffold has vertical beams (20) which consist of U-shaped scaffolding elements (8a-8c), L-shaped scaffolding elements or T-shaped scaffolding elements, and the closed vertical frames (3a-3c) are combined. The T-shaped scaffolding elements include the crossbars for supporting bottom elements (7a,7b) and an articulation of rail braces (9a,9b). The rail braces is mounted on the working plane (15) of articulation during assembly of T-shaped scaffolding element. The L-shaped scaffolding elements include the crossbars to upper side of bottom elements in a newly formed work plane. An independent claim is included for method for establishing detachable facade scaffold.