Modular Scaffolding with Adapter Modules for Rapid Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scaffolding for overhead line construction is time-consuming and cumbersome, with effort increasing disproportionately with height, requiring inefficient assembly and disassembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed scaffolding system consists of prefabricated cuboid modules and adapter modules, with connecting elements designed as tabs with holes, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly by stacking and connecting modules using a cube-shaped adapter module, and incorporating diagonal struts for stability, enabling easy handling and reduced assembly height requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional scaffolding is used for overhead line construction, then the scaffold can provide structural support, but the effort and time required for assembly and disassembly increases disproportionately with height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffold is divided into identical prefabricated cuboid modules that can be stacked vertically to form tower elements. Each module contains integrated connecting elements (tabs with holes) that simplify joining, and diagonal struts are pre-installed within modules to ensure stability without requiring complex field assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Diagonal struts for stability are pre-installed within the prefabricated modules during manufacturing, rather than being assembled on-site. Connecting elements are pre-positioned on all modules, allowing workers to simply connect modules together without performing complex assembly operations during erection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If conventional scaffolding assembly methods are used, then the scaffold can be erected, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffold is divided into identical prefabricated cuboid modules that can be stacked vertically to form tower elements. Each module contains integrated connecting elements (tabs with holes) that simplify joining, and diagonal struts are pre-installed within modules to ensure stability without requiring complex field assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cube-shaped adapter module serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between tower elements and top chords. The adapter module has connecting elements on multiple faces, allowing it to interface with both vertical tower modules and horizontal top chord modules using the same standardized connection method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If standard scaffolding is used, then the scaffold can be constructed, but the effort required increases disproportionately with the height of the scaffolding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescaffold heightVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffold is divided into identical prefabricated cuboid modules that can be stacked vertically to form tower elements. Each module contains integrated connecting elements (tabs with holes) that simplify joining, and diagonal struts are pre-installed within modules to ensure stability without requiring complex field assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All modules (tower modules, top chord modules, and adapter modules) use the same standardized connecting elements (tabs with holes) and can be joined using the same connection method. This universal interface allows modules to be stacked to any height without requiring different assembly techniques or increasing operational complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3306010B1Protection and/or work scaffolding and method for erecting it
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 BOSER ARMIN
  • EP3306010B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3306010B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3306010B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a protective and/or working scaffold (10) and a method for erecting it. The scaffold is provided with at least two tower elements (14) and at least one top chord (16) supported by the tower elements (14). The tower elements (14) and top chord (16) are composed of cuboid modules (18) and are connected to each other by means of an adapter module (32).First, the top chord (16), assembled on the ground from the modules and adapter modules, is mounted. Then, using at least one lifting device, it is raised a distance which allows each cuboid module (18) intended for the tower elements to be positioned in such a way that it is connected to the top chord (16) by attaching it to the respective adapter module (32). Subsequently, the top chord (16) with the modules (18) for the tower elements (14) already mounted is gradually raised by a corresponding distance in order to attach further modules for the tower elements (14) one after the other and to complete the scaffold (10). Finally, the scaffold (10) with the tower elements (14) is placed on appropriately prepared foundation elements (41) and connected to them.