Prop-Head Beam Support with Dual Locating Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal construction beam assemblies can inadvertently move away from their fixed position, leading to potential accidents and delays in construction due to lack of a fail-safe mechanism to prevent displacement.
Innovation Solution
A prop-head assembly with dual beam-locating features that can receive the beam-reference portion, ensuring it remains stationary even if inadvertently displaced from the initial position, providing a fail-safe mechanism to secure the beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single beam-locating feature is used to support the horizontal construction beam assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is compromised because inadvertent lateral movement can cause the beam to fall away
Solution Approach 1:
The beam-locating feature is segmented into two distinct parts: a first beam-locating feature that initially receives the beam-reference portion, and a second beam-locating feature that provides fail-safe reception. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through multiple reception points while keeping each individual feature relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The second beam-locating feature is positioned beforehand at a predetermined location to catch the beam-reference portion if it becomes inadvertently displaced from the first feature. This prior cushioning mechanism prevents the harmful effect of beam failure without requiring continuous active monitoring or complex control systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no fail-safe mechanism is provided, then the device complexity remains low, but harmful factors increase due to potential beam displacement and worker injury
Solution Approach 1:
The second beam-locating feature serves as a pre-positioned safety net that catches the beam-reference portion if it becomes inadvertently displaced from the first feature. This fail-safe mechanism is built into the static structure of the prop-head assembly, eliminating the need for active monitoring or complex control systems while effectively preventing worker injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful effect of beam displacement is converted into a beneficial safety feature. Instead of trying to prevent all possible displacement through complex active control, the system allows displacement to occur but ensures it leads to a safe secondary position at the second beam-locating feature, thereby converting a potential hazard into a protective mechanism.
3Reliability
If a second beam-locating feature is added for fail-safe reception, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam-locating functionality is segmented into two distinct reception features positioned at different locations. Each feature can be manufactured as a standard structural element, and their simple geometric forms make them easy to fabricate and assemble into the prop-head assembly without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The second beam-locating feature serves multiple functions: it acts as a primary support position, a fail-safe catch position, and a alignment reference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while enhancing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction beam assembly is configured to be supported, at least in part, by a load-receiving feature of a prop-head assembly when the prop-head assembly is fixedly connected to a construction column configured to extend perpendicular relative to a ground surface. The construction beam assembly includes a beam including opposite end portions. A beam end support is affixed to each end portion of the opposite end portions of the construction beam assembly. Each beam end support includes a lower portion configured to contact, at least in part, the load-receiving feature of the prop-head assembly when the construction beam assembly is supported by the prop-head assembly. The weight of the construction beam assembly is transferred, at least in part, to the prop-head assembly via the beam end support when the beam end support of the construction beam assembly contacts, at least in part, the prop-head assembly.