Adjustable Scaffold Claw Positioning for Under-Hook Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suspended scaffolds face challenges in accessing and maintaining small areas under the suspending device, requiring extensive scaffold displacement or alternative methods like rope access, which are time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

The claw device is adjustable relative to the coupling device between defined positions, allowing the scaffold to remain in place while the claw body is adjusted to expose specific areas for maintenance, with locking mechanisms to secure the positions and minimize force imbalances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the suspended scaffold is displaced in its entirety to expose areas under the claw device for maintenance, then accessibility to hard-to-reach areas is improved, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility to areas under claw deviceVSAvoidTime for scaffold displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The suspending device is divided into separable components: the claw device can be independently adjusted relative to the coupling device and work platform. This segmentation allows the claw device to be repositioned without moving the entire scaffold structure, enabling maintenance of areas previously blocked by the claw device while keeping the scaffold in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The claw device is made adjustable and movable relative to the coupling device through a receiving member mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the claw device to be repositioned to different locations on the object, exposing previously inaccessible areas for maintenance without requiring complete scaffold displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If rope access is used to maintain areas under the claw device, then accessibility is improved, but the result quality decreases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility to areas under claw deviceVSAvoidQuality of maintenance result

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable claw device maintains the same suspended scaffold system for all maintenance operations, whether on the original object surface or on newly exposed areas. This universal application of the same equipment ensures consistent maintenance quality across all locations without requiring alternative methods like rope access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the claw device is made adjustable relative to the coupling device, then accessibility to previously blocked areas is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAdjustability of claw device positionVSAvoidComplexity of suspending device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving member is integrated within the coupling device structure, with receiving cavities formed in the coupling device body. This nested arrangement allows the receiving member to be housed within the existing coupling device without requiring separate external mechanisms, thereby adding adjustability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving member acts as an intermediary element between the claw device and the coupling device, enabling relative adjustment through a simple mechanical interface. This intermediary component provides the necessary adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to more complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the coupling device length is made adjustable, then the claw device can be repositioned with less force, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEffort to adjust claw device positionVSAvoidComplexity of coupling device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device length is made variable through the adjustable receiving member mechanism. By changing the effective length parameter of the coupling device, the mechanical advantage is optimized to reduce the force required for claw device adjustment, while the adjustment mechanism itself remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3049592B1Suspended scaffolding and suspending device therefore

Publication Date: 2023.03.15 BRAND ENERGY HLDG

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Figure 4A~4C

AI summary

A suspended scaffold comprises a work platform (6) and at least one suspending device (2) via which the work platform (6) is attachable to an object (1). The suspending device (2) comprises a claw device (3) intended and configured to engage optionally directly on the object (1), and a coupling device (4). The claw device (3) is adjustable relative to the coupling device (4) between a first position (21) and a second position (22). The second position (22) lies spatially offset relative to the first position (21).