Modular Platform Deck Support Member Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current modular platforms for construction sites require significant time and skill to assemble due to the need for secure connections between components, which can be slow and labor-intensive, especially when securing decking surfaces to support frames.

Innovation Solution

A modular platform design featuring a deck element with load-bearing members and connection arrangements that allow for easy engagement with deck support members, using engaging members and receiving formations to restrict movement and secure the platform, along with stabilizing feet and support members for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional scaffolding systems are used with multiple support poles and securing parts, then structural integrity is ensured, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple support legs into a single integrated deck support member that can simultaneously support multiple deck elements. This merging reduces the total number of components and connections required, directly decreasing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design of the support member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deck support member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it provides vertical support, enables angular adjustment (0-45 degrees), and incorporates connection arrangements for securing multiple deck elements. This universality reduces the need for separate specialized components, streamlining the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple securing parts are used to connect platform components, then connection security is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of connecting parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection arrangement integrates multiple connection functions into a single unified mechanism on the deck support member. Instead of requiring separate securing parts for each deck element, the integrated connection arrangement handles multiple connections simultaneously, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deck support member incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features through its connection arrangement design, reducing the need for additional manual securing operations. The component is designed to facilitate its own secure connection to deck elements, minimizing the number of separate securing actions required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If decking surfaces are laid on top of modular frame without securing, then assembly speed increases, but structural reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidplatform stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deck support member is designed with integrated connection arrangements that enable the decking surface to be securely connected to the support structure through a simple, self-contained mechanism. This self-service connection system maintains assembly speed while ensuring reliability, as the securing process is built into the support member itself rather than requiring separate operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2766540B1Modular platform and method of assembling the same
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 THREE G METAL FABTIONS LTD
  • EP2766540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2766540B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2766540B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

We provide a platform (10) comprising a deck element (14) having a load- bearing member (18) secured to at least one support beam (16) of the deck element (14), and a plurality of first connection arrangements, and a plurality of deck support members (30) each having a second connection arrangement, wherein the deck element (14) is moveable with respect to the plurality of deck support members (30) to connect the deck element (14) to the plurality of deck support members (30), and wherein each of the first connection arrangements is configured to engage a respective one of the second connection arrangements, the first connection arrangement being one of an engaging member (20) or a receiving formation (35), and the respective second connection arrangement being the other of an engaging member (20) or a receiving formation (35), such that movement of the engaging member (20) in a first engaging direction causes the engaging member (20) to engage the receiving formation (35), to restrict movement of the deck element (14) relative to the respective deck support member (30) in at least one plane.