Pass-through Head Assembly for Grid Shoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grid shoring systems require multiple platform supports and head assemblies, with upper and lower assemblies being non-interchangeable, limiting the ability to independently raise or lower platforms and increasing the number of components needed.
Innovation Solution
The development of a pass-through head assembly that includes a central shaft, support bars, and a seat support plate, allowing the seat and seat support plate to pass over the central shaft and support bars, enabling the platform support to be used as both an upper and lower head assembly, thus reducing the number of platform supports and heads required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drop head assembly with a pin is used for the lower head assembly, then the platform can be easily removed, but the telescoping-type assembly cannot be used to adjust the height of the platform support
Solution Approach 1:
The head assembly is designed to serve dual functions: it can be used in both upper and lower positions, and the seat support plate can either rest on support bars or pass over them. The pin extends through the head assembly body but does not prevent the seat support plate from moving vertically, allowing the same assembly to work with telescoping mechanisms for height adjustment while maintaining platform drop capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly is divided into separate components: the head assembly body with the pin, the seat support plate with aperture, and the support bars. This segmentation allows the seat support plate to independently move relative to the head assembly body, enabling it to either rest on the support bars for stability or pass over them for platform removal, while the pin remains fixed to maintain structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional head assemblies are purchased for upper and lower positions, then both upper and lower platforms can be supported, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The head assembly is designed with universal applicability to function in both upper and lower positions. The seat support plate can rest on support bars when needed for stability or pass over them for platform removal. The pin extends through the head assembly body without preventing vertical movement of the seat support plate, allowing the same assembly to work with telescoping mechanisms for height adjustment while maintaining platform drop capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of upper and lower head assemblies into a single universal design. By integrating the pin through the head assembly body and designing the seat support plate with an aperture that allows it to either rest on or pass over the support bars, the system combines the stability function with the platform removal function in one assembly type, eliminating the need for separate upper and lower head assemblies.
3Reliability
If the upper platform is removed before the lower platform, then the fixed heads can support the lower platform, but the removal sequence is restricted and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed head design to a dynamic head assembly where the seat support plate can change its position relative to the support bars. The seat support plate can rest on the support bars during normal operation to provide stable support, then be rotated to pass over the support bars for platform removal. This dynamic capability allows independent removal of either platform without sequence restrictions while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly is segmented into the head assembly body with the pin and the separate seat support plate with aperture. This segmentation allows the seat support plate to independently move between resting on the support bars (providing stable support) and passing over them (enabling platform removal). The pin remains fixed to maintain structural integrity while allowing the seat support plate to change position, enabling independent platform removal while maintaining support stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pass-through head assembly is provided. The pass-through head assembly may include a central shaft, a plurality of support bars, a seat, and a seat support plate. The central shaft may extend between a first end plate and a second end plate. Each end plate may define an aperture that aligns with an interior cavity of the central shaft. The plurality of support bars may extend from the central shaft and the second end plate. The seat and seat support plate may each be circumferentially disposed about the central shaft and define apertures that are sized to allow the seat and the seat support plate to pass over the central shaft and the plurality of support bars. The seat may be configured to support one or more beams. The seat support plate may be disposed between the seat and the second end plate.