Scaffold Bracket Hook Design for Tool-Free Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular scaffolding systems require significant assembly effort and necessitate gap covers for gaps wider than 80 mm due to the use of perforated discs and wedge-head connections, which are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A scaffold bracket with a hook-shaped element and support strut design that securely attaches to perforated discs on scaffold uprights, allowing tool-free assembly and maintaining a gap width of less than 80 mm without the need for gap covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perforated discs and wedge-head connections are used for attaching scaffold brackets, then the connection is secure and stable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex wedge-head connection mechanism and replaces it with a simplified hook-shaped element that directly engages with the perforated disc. This extraction removes the time-consuming assembly steps while maintaining the secure connection function through the hook's engagement with the disc's holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-shaped element is designed to self-engage with the perforated disc through its geometry, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations. The hook's shape allows it to automatically secure itself to the disc when inserted through the holes, providing a secure connection without requiring manual adjustment or additional tools.
2Reliability
If perforated discs with large diameter are used for bracket attachment, then the connection is secure, but the gap width exceeds 80 mm requiring gap covers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using the perforated disc's diameter as the primary attachment dimension to using its thickness as the critical dimension. The hook-shaped element engages through the disc's thickness rather than relying on the disc's diameter, allowing the use of smaller diameter discs that reduce gap width while maintaining secure attachment through the hook's engagement with holes through the disc thickness.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bracket designs are used that allow rotation around the longitudinal axis, then the bracket is easy to install, but looseness and play result in unstable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The hook-shaped element features an asymmetric design where the hook portion extends in a specific direction that prevents rotation around the longitudinal axis. This asymmetric geometry allows the bracket to be easily installed in the correct orientation while preventing loosening and play by blocking rotational movement, thus maintaining connection stability.
4Reliability
If wedge-head connections are used for securing brackets, then the connection is secure, but additional components like gap covers are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary gap cover component from the system. By using a hook-shaped element that engages directly with the perforated disc, the design eliminates the need for gap covers, reducing the number of components while maintaining secure connection through the hook's direct engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-shaped element serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment to the perforated disc, prevents rotation, and eliminates the need for gap covers. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity by consolidating several functions into a single component.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
In a scaffold bracket (1) for a modular scaffold, the scaffold bracket (1) comprises at least one decking support element (11) with at least one section (110) on or at which at least one bracket deck can be received or supported, at least one hook-shaped element (10) for attaching the scaffold bracket (1) to at least one perforated disc (3) arranged on a scaffold upright (2) of the modular scaffold and for preventing it from disengaging from the disc, and at least one support strut element (14), wherein the at least one hook-shaped element (10) is arranged at its end on the at least one decking support element (11), the at least one support strut element (14) is designed with its first end (140) to be attached or attached to the decking support element (11) and with its opposite second end (141) to be supported on the scaffold upright (2).wherein the at least one support strut element (14) and the at least one decking support element (11) extend at an angle (α) to each other.