Modular Guard Rail Assembly Using Elastic Brackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guard rail systems are cumbersome to install, require multiple workers and tools, often damage materials upon disassembly, fail to meet rigidity requirements, and lack ease of use for self-assembly without welding or soldering, necessitating a more efficient, stable, and cost-effective solution.

Innovation Solution

A guard rail assembly featuring rectangular cross-section vertical and horizontal bar elements with strategically positioned slits and openings, combined with elastic brackets made from flexible materials, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without additional fastening means, ensuring stability and safety compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional guard rail systems are constructed using multiple workers and welding/soldering, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the installation time and labor cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The guard rail system is divided into modular components (vertical posts, horizontal rails, cap rails) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has standardized connection features that enable quick assembly without welding, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements such as brackets, bolts, and interlocking features serve as intermediaries between rail components. These intermediaries provide strong mechanical connections without requiring welding or soldering, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If guard rail materials are disassembled for reuse, then material cost is reduced, but the materials are damaged and cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial costVSAvoidmaterial reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design with standardized connection elements allows the guard rail system to be easily disassembled and reassembled multiple times without damage. Connection brackets and fasteners are designed for repeated use, enabling full recovery and reuse of all materials, thus eliminating material loss and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Strength

If complex fastening means such as screws and rivets are used for assembly, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Complex fastening systems with multiple screws and rivets are replaced by simplified connection elements such as single-bolt brackets, snap-fit mechanisms, or interlocking features. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains connection strength while dramatically improving ease of assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements are designed with self-aligning features and intuitive assembly mechanisms that allow workers to assemble the guard rail system without specialized tools or extensive training. The self-service design maintains strong connections while enabling easy assembly by ordinary workers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If welding or soldering is used to assemble rail components, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the skill level and tools required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidtools and skill requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Welding and soldering processes are replaced by mechanical connection systems such as bolted brackets, pinned connections, or interlocking features. This substitution eliminates the need for welding equipment and skilled welders while maintaining structural rigidity through properly designed mechanical joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables rapid, efficient, and cost-effective installation and disassembly of guard rails by a single user with minimal tools, providing enhanced stability and safety while meeting regulatory standards, and is reusable with reduced material damage.

Implementation Method 1

elastic brackets for holding the vertical and horizontal bar elements in place when assembled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3262254B1Modular guard rail assembly

Publication Date: 2019.12.04 NSBY MASKINFAB

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AI summary

There is provided an easy to install guard rail assembly that may be assembled and installed without the aid of welding or soldering. The assembly makes use of a set of vertical bar elements and a set of horizontal bar element that are designed to mate with each other based on a special design. The assembly can be assembled and installed by without the aid of welding or soldering the without separate fastening means such as screws, rivets or the like for assembling the component parts of the fence to each other, and which can be assembled and installed with low-level skill and minimal tools.