Modular Scaffold Frames With Integrated Ladders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current scaffolding systems are strenuous and unsafe during assembly and dismantling, with a risk of accidents due to the heavy weight of components and limited structural stability, which restricts their applications and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of scaffolding with vertically stacked frames featuring perforated disks and integrated ladders, allowing for secure assembly and disassembly with a circumferential hip or back railing for safety, and the use of modular components for flexible and stable construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional scaffolding components are used, then the scaffolding can support high vertical loads, but the assembly and dismantling processes are strenuous and unsafe due to heavy weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidassembly safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffolding is divided into modular vertical frames that can be independently assembled and disconnected. Each frame is a self-contained unit with standardized connection points, allowing workers to assemble the structure in manageable sections rather than handling entire heavy scaffolding systems at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements serve as intermediaries between vertical frames, enabling secure joining without requiring workers to directly manipulate heavy frame components. These connection elements simplify the assembly process by providing standardized interfaces that reduce physical strain and improve safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If traditional scaffolding components are used, then the scaffolding can support high vertical loads, but the assembly and dismantling processes are strenuous and unsafe due to limited structural stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffolding structure is segmented into standardized vertical frames that can be systematically connected to form stable configurations. This modular approach ensures consistent structural integrity while allowing for controlled assembly that maintains stability throughout the construction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of assembling heavy scaffolding components from the ground up in traditional manner, the modular frame design allows for inverted assembly sequences where certain elements can be positioned and secured from top to bottom or from stable anchor points, improving structural stability during the assembly process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional scaffolding components are used, then the scaffolding can provide necessary support functions, but the assembly and dismantling processes are strenuous and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical frames are designed as universal modules that can serve multiple functions - providing structural support, creating platform bases, and forming connection points for various scaffolding elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different component types needed, streamlining assembly operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical frames are pre-assembled as complete modular units with connection points and structural elements already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of individual frame components, significantly reducing assembly time and labor requirements while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2411598B1Scaffold and methods for installing or removing such a scaffold
Publication Date: 2014.02.19 WILHELM LAYHER VERWALTUNGS GMBH
  • EP2411598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2411598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2411598B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a scaffold (20) and to methods for installing or removing such a scaffold (20), which is constructed of at least two vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) and at least two connecting elements (28.1, 28.2) that each extend substantially horizontally, having the following characteristics: a) at least one vertical frame (25.2) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) is placed onto one vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2), wherein a vertical frame arrangement (39.1, 39.2) in the form of a vertical frame support (48.1, 48.2) is formed; b) the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) of the vertical frame support (48.1, 48.2) each comprise at least two parallel vertical supports (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), which are arranged at a horizontal distance (31); c) the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) of the vertical frame support (48.1, 48.2) each comprise at least two parallel horizontal arms (35.1, 35.2, 35.3, 35.4), which are arranged at a vertical distance (36.1, 36.2); d) the horizontal arms (35.1, 35.2, 35.3, 35.4) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) each extend between the at least two vertical supports (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) of the respective vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) perpendicularly to said vertical supports (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) and are fastened at the ends of said horizontal arms to said vertical supports by welding; e) the connecting elements (28) each extend between a vertical support (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) of a vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) and at least one further vertical support (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) arranged at a horizontal distance therefrom and are detachably fastened at the ends of said connecting elements to fastening positions (45.1, 45.2, 45.3, 45.4) of said vertical supports (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4); f) bottom plates (43) are or can be detachably attached to fastening positions (61) in a tiered manner in vertical areas (101.1, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4, 101.5, 101.6) of the scaffold provided one above the other vertically; g) at least one connecting element (28.1, 28.2) of the connecting elements (28.1, 28.2) is used at least during the installation of the scaffold (20) as a hip or back railing element (62.1, 62.2) for protecting a person (63) from falling; h) the vertical supports (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) each have an effective length (92.1, 92.2), which substantially corresponds to the vertical distance (97) of the fastening position (45.1, 45.2, 45.3, 45.4; 61) for the hip or back railing element (62.1, 62.2) or for the bottom plate (43) from the fastening position (45.1, 45.2, 45.3, 45.4; 61) for the hip or back railing element (62.1, 62.2) or for the bottom plate (43) of a vertical frame (25.2) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) already belonging to the nearest vertical area (101.2, 101.3, 101.4, 101.5, 101.6) and already placed onto the vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) of the vertical area (101.1, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4, 101.5) lying thereunder or which is smaller than said vertical distance (97); i) the horizontal arms (35.1, 35.2, 35.3, 35.4) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) of the vertical frame support (48.1, 48.2) placed one on top of the other each form transverse rungs (35.1, 35.2, 35.3, 35.4) of a ladder (21.1, 21.2) for a person (63) to climb, wherein the top transverse rung (35.1, 35.3) of a vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) has a vertical transverse rung distance (36.4) from the lowest transverse rung (35.4) of a vertical frame (25.2) of the vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) already belonging to the nearest vertical area (101.2, 101.3, 101.4, 101.5, 101.6) and already placed onto the vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) of the vertical area (101.1, 101.2, 101.3, 101.4, 101.5) lying thereunder that substantially corresponds to the vertical distance (36.1, 36.2) of the transverse rungs (35.1, 35.2, 35.3, 35.4) of the individual vertical frames (25.1, 25.2) so that all adjacent transverse rungs (35.1, 35.2, 35.3, 35.4) of the ladder (21.1, 21.2) have substantially the same vertical transverse rung distances (36.1, 36.2, 36.4) from each other.