Scaffold Collapsible Base Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffolding systems face challenges in transitioning from a closed to an open state while maintaining compactness and ensuring safety, often requiring manual locking mechanisms that can be unreliable and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A scaffolding system with a pre-assembled collapsible base that automatically locks into an open position without needing operator gestures, utilizing sliding connections and automatic locking mechanisms to ensure stability and compactness in the closed state, and allowing for easy unlocking for safety reasons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual locking mechanisms are used to secure the base in the open state, then the scaffolding system can be stabilized, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome and potentially unreliable manual locking gestures
Solution Approach 1:
The base automatically transitions from the closed state to the open state and self-locks without requiring manual intervention. The sliding connection between the first and second slide elements automatically engages the locking mechanism when the ladder assemblies are moved apart, eliminating the need for operator gestures and ensuring reliable stabilization.
2Volume of moving object
If the base is designed to be compact in the closed state, then the volume is reduced, but the stability in the open state may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between a compact closed state and a stabilized open state. The sliding connection enables the base to automatically expand to its functional configuration when the ladder assemblies are separated, providing stability only when needed while maintaining compactness during transport and storage.
3Reliability
If automatic locking mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability improves by eliminating manual locking errors, but the device complexity increases due to additional sliding connection components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the sliding connection between the first and second slide elements. The same sliding movement that transitions the base from closed to open state also automatically engages the locking mechanism, combining two functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate locking components.
4Volume of moving object
If the base elements are folded down when the system is closed, then the compactness is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to more complex folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple elements (first base element, second base element, first and second slide elements) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled through the sliding connection. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using standard manufacturing processes without requiring complex integrated folding mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A scaffolding system (1) comprising two sets of ladders (10, 11) facing each other, arranged so as to be able to pass from a closed state, in which the two sets of ladders are close together, to an open state, in which the two sets of ladders are far apart, between the sets of ladders, a folding base (60) fixed to the sets of ladders and remaining in the plane (yz) occupied by the folding base in the open state, a first slide element (43) integral with the folding base, and a second slide element (62), cooperating with the first slide element, the first slide element passing from a first position relative to the second slide element, to a second position when the scaffolding system passes from the folded state to the open state, and a locking device (300) arranged to trigger a locking of the first slide element when said element reaches the second position.