Removable Finger Guard for Shoring Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoring devices in the construction industry pose a safety risk as workers can inadvertently pinch their fingers between the mounting blocks and shoring columns during assembly or collapse, and existing finger guards are not easily attachable, interfere with structural integrity, and lack flexibility in placement and compatibility with different types of shoring columns.
Innovation Solution
A removably attachable finger guard comprising a stiff sheet with fork-shaped connectors and set screws that can be adjusted along the shoring column, allowing secure attachment without weakening the column and enabling placement on various types of shoring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a finger guard is attached to the shoring column using holes and screws, then finger protection is provided, but the structural integrity of the shoring column is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The finger guard is divided into separate components: the guard body and the mounting block. The mounting block is a separate piece that attaches to the flange without requiring holes in the shoring column, while the guard body attaches to the mounting block. This segmentation allows protection functionality while preserving the integrity of the main structural component (shoring column).
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block serves as an intermediary component between the shoring column and the finger guard. It provides attachment points for the finger guard through set screws that engage with the flange, eliminating the need to drill holes in the shoring column itself. This mediator preserves the structural integrity of the column while enabling secure attachment of the protective guard.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a finger guard is permanently attached to the shoring column, then finger protection is provided, but the guard cannot be easily removed or transferred to different shoring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a permanent fixed attachment to a dynamic, adjustable attachment. The set screws allow the mounting block to be securely fastened to the flange when needed, and easily removed when the guard needs to be transferred. This dynamic attachment mechanism enables the guard to be permanently secured during use but readily removable for relocation to different shoring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block and set screws can be easily removed from one shoring column and reused on another. Instead of the guard being permanently discarded at a specific location, the modular design with removable mounting hardware allows the protective components to be recovered and transferred to different shoring devices, maximizing utility and reducing waste.
3Ease of manufacture
If the finger guard is designed for a specific type of shoring column, then attachment is simplified, but the guard cannot be used with different types of shoring columns
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting block is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types of shoring columns. The set screws engage with the flange structure common to various shoring column designs, allowing the same finger guard assembly to be attached to multiple types of columns. This universal design enables one guard to serve multiple functions across different shoring device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism uses adjustable set screws that can be positioned and tightened to accommodate variations in flange dimensions and positions across different shoring column types. By allowing parameter adjustments in the mounting block design and set screw positioning, the guard can adapt to different geometric parameters of various column types while maintaining a consistent attachment methodology.
Data Source
AI summary
A finger guard is described, removably attachable to a shoring device of the type having a pair of opposed shoring columns having outer and inner surfaces, the outer surfaces exposed for contact with excavation surfaces and with an extendable and retractable jack pivotally secured at the inner surfaces to the column. The finger guard comprises a sheet of stiff material; at least one connector attached to the sheet, wherein the at least one connector includes: two arms spaced apart from each other and extending generally parallel to each other; a shoulder element extending between the two arms, and connecting the two arms together; a leg element, extending from the shoulder element parallel with the arms; wherein, the sheet of stiff material is attached to the at least one connector; a set screw threadably passing through one of the arms, the set screw being configured to attach the connector to a portion of a shoring column.