Scaffold Beam With Variable Openings For Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scaffold planks become soft and sway under high loads, leading to instability and a risk of crushing when subjected to concentrated loads, particularly from hand trucks or pallet jacks, due to insufficient load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A support beam with longitudinally displaceable profiles that form variable openings to connect scaffold planks, distributing load across multiple planks and preventing deflection, using a force-fit and positive-locking connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If scaffold planks are used individually to bridge the gap between ledgers, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but the load-bearing capacity is insufficient and planks become soft under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scaffold planks into a single scaffold deck assembly with integrated crossbeams and ledgers. The crossbeams connect adjacent planks laterally, and the ledgers provide longitudinal support, creating a unified structural unit that distributes loads across multiple planks rather than relying on individual plank strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold deck is segmented into modular components (planks, crossbeams, ledgers) that can be assembled in a standardized configuration. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high load-bearing capacity through the collective strength of multiple components while maintaining ease of installation through modular assembly.
2Length of stationary object
If longer scaffold planks are used to bridge larger gaps, then the gap coverage is improved, but the planks become softer and more prone to deflection and swaying
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using single long planks, the patent divides the gap-spanning function into multiple shorter planks connected by crossbeams. Each plank remains short and stiff, while the crossbeams transfer loads between planks, achieving stable gap coverage without the deflection problems of long planks.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple short planks are merged into a unified deck structure through crossbeams and ledgers, creating a composite system that spans large gaps while maintaining the stiffness of individual short planks. The combined structure distributes loads across all planks, preventing excessive deflection.
3Device complexity
If concentrated loads are applied to individual scaffold planks, then the structure remains simple, but the planks deflect excessively and create unsafe walking conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple planks into a unified load-distributing system through crossbeams and ledgers. When a concentrated load is applied to one plank, the crossbeams transfer portions of that load to adjacent planks and the ledgers, distributing the stress across the entire deck assembly rather than concentrating it on a single plank.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold deck functions as a composite structure where multiple plank elements work together with crossbeams and ledgers to create a unified load-bearing system. This composite action allows the structure to handle concentrated loads safely while maintaining relative simplicity in component design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a beam (10) for scaffold platforms (20) for forming a scaffold platform plane (1), comprising at least two profiles (100, 200) which are guided inside one another so as to be longitudinally movable, and at least portions of which comprise recesses (110, 210) which can be made to overlap one another and form openings in the overlap region for receiving scaffold platforms (20), wherein the shape and/or the size of the openings is variable by longitudinally moving the profiles (100, 200) relative to one another. The invention also relates to a scaffold platform plane (1), to a method for forming a scaffold platform plane (1), and to the use of a beam (10).