Offset Fencing Bracket for Worker Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance workers face difficulties in accessing and working on wire mesh fencing due to its anti-climb and anti-cut properties, which require additional access means like scaffolding or ladders, leading to increased time and costs, and potential vulnerabilities during repairs.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket system for wire mesh fencing that includes L-shaped body members with offset vertical elements and a support member, allowing secure and removable attachment to the fence, enabling workers to stand or hang safely without additional scaffolding or ladders, and can be easily carried and installed on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scaffolding is assembled to enable maintenance workers to access the fencing, then workers can safely reach and work on the fence, but the time and cost of the maintenance job increases due to assembly and disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into separate components: a first bracket portion with a first fixing member for attachment to the fencing, and a second bracket portion with a support member for supporting the worker. This segmentation allows the bracket to be easily assembled and disassembled without requiring full scaffolding structures, directly reducing the time and complexity of setup while providing safe worker access.
2Ease of operation
If scaffolding is assembled to enable maintenance workers to access the fencing, then workers can safely reach and work on the fence, but the cost of the maintenance job increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a temporary, easily deployable access solution that can be quickly installed and removed. Rather than investing in expensive, permanent scaffolding infrastructure, the invention uses simple, lightweight bracket components that provide sufficient support for maintenance work without the high costs associated with traditional scaffolding systems.
3Ease of operation
If ladders are carried to inaccessible terrain locations, then workers can access the fencing, but the difficulty increases due to carrying equipment over difficult terrain and unstable ground
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into lightweight components that can be easily carried and quickly assembled on-site. The first bracket portion attaches to the fencing while the second bracket portion provides worker support, eliminating the need to transport heavy, complex equipment like ladders over difficult terrain.
4Reliability
If small aperture welded wire mesh fencing is used to prevent climbing and cutting, then security is improved, but maintenance workers are unable to work on the fence without additional access means
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the secure, difficult-to-access fencing and the maintenance worker. The fixing members attach to the fencing structure without compromising its security properties, while the support member provides a stable platform for workers to perform maintenance tasks.
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 support bracket system allows for efficient and cost-effective maintenance of wire mesh fencing by eliminating the need for scaffolding, reducing time and costs, and enhancing security by minimizing exposure to vulnerabilities during repairs, while providing convenient access on inaccessible terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket may further comprise first and second elastomer layers which at least partially cover the first and second fixing faces, respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
A bracket (201) for supporting an individual on mesh fencing (50) is provided. The bracket (201) comprises at least one first fixing member (202) extending in a first direction in a first plane (P1) and a second fixing member (208) extending in a second direction in a second plane (P2). The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The bracket further comprises at least one support member (220) extending outwardly from at least one of the fixing members (202,208). The first plane (P1) is offset from the second plane (P2) such that in use the at least one first fixing member (202) lies on a first side of the fencing (50) and the second fixing member (208) and support member (220) lie on a second side of the fencing. A support structure which incorporates a pair of the brackets is also provided.