Offset Barrier Guardrail for Continuous Edge Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guardrails, both fixed and temporary, face challenges such as cumbersome assembly, lack of adaptability to different wall configurations, and increased risk of falls due to fixed widths and precise positioning requirements, especially when used on prefabricated or precast walls.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece guardrail design featuring two vertical barrier elements offset along a perpendicular axis, allowing for continuous edge-to-edge arrangement without breaks, with a support that can be easily fixed and rearranged across different structural elements, including prefabricated walls with integrated formwork and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If monolithic guardrails with predetermined fixed width are used, then manufacturing and handling are simplified, but positioning precision deteriorates making edge-to-edge arrangement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guardrail is divided into two separate barrier elements (first and second barrier elements) that can be independently positioned and attached to the support structure. This segmentation allows each element to be precisely positioned at different locations (front and rear edges) without requiring precise pre-positioning of a monolithic structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and positioning precision.
2Device complexity
If fixed-width guardrails are used on prefabricated walls, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates for different wall configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate various wall types including prefabricated walls, precast walls, and walls with integrated formwork and insulation. The two barrier elements can be independently positioned to adapt to different wall widths and configurations, providing multi-functionality without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise layout planning is required for guardrail positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates pre-defined attachment points and positioning features that guide the installation process. The first and second barrier elements are designed with complementary connection mechanisms that enable quick alignment and attachment without requiring complex preliminary layout planning, thus reducing installation time while maintaining positioning precision.
4Ease of operation
If gaps are created between adjacent guardrails, then ease of installation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to break in continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The two barrier elements are positioned asymmetrically at different depths (front and rear edges) rather than symmetrically at the same plane. This asymmetric positioning allows the elements to overlap with adjacent guardrails in a staggered pattern, ensuring continuous coverage without gaps while maintaining ease of installation through the modular design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a one-piece guardrail (1) comprising a first barrier element (2), a second barrier element (3), and a support (12), substantially vertical, said first and second barrier elements (2, 3) extending substantially horizontally from and on either side of said support (12), said barrier elements (2, 3) each extending in a plane XY parallel to each other and offset from each other. The invention also relates to the use of the guardrail according to the invention for securing a construction site or securing one or more structural elements of a building, on a prefabricated wall, or a wall with integrated formwork or with integrated formwork and insulation, and a safety balustrade comprising one or more guardrails according to the invention.