Scaffold Container with Mounting Points for Efficient Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling and transporting scaffold systems in concrete construction are inefficient, as they require multiple pallets to be moved and stored individually, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks during the process of raising and placing formwork elements.

Innovation Solution

A container designed for scaffold assembly parts with a rectilinear base, side and end walls, mounting points for uprights, and features like wheels, coupling means, lifting points, and load retaining mechanisms, allowing for secure storage, transportation, and assembly of scaffold elements without bearing the load, and enabling easy movement and stacking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple pallets are moved and stored individually using forklift or pallet jack, then the scaffold elements can be transported to elevated levels, but the process becomes time-consuming and poses safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidtime for moving and storing pallets
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple scaffold elements and formwork components onto a single container platform, eliminating the need to move and store multiple separate pallets. The container integrates storage for uprights, cross-braces, and formwork panels in an organized manner, allowing all components to be transported together to the work level in one operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container serves multiple functions: it acts as a transport platform, a storage unit for scaffold components, a delivery mechanism to elevated levels, and even provides formwork support when positioned. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate pallets for each component type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous scaffold elements are moved and stored individually on pallets, then all necessary parts can be raised to elevated levels, but the process becomes complex and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to transport scaffold componentsVSAvoidnumber of pallets and handling operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container consolidates multiple scaffold components that would otherwise require separate pallets into a single integrated transport unit. Uprights, cross-braces, and formwork panels are all accommodated within the same container structure, reducing the number of handling operations from multiple pallet moves to a single container delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container acts as an intermediary vehicle between ground-level storage and elevated work areas. It provides a standardized interface that can be lifted by crane or hoist to the required height, then serves as a temporary staging platform for component assembly and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If unloaded pallets are moved and stored until required, then components can be transported to elevated levels, but storage space is consumed and handling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidstorage space for unloaded pallets
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The container combines transport and storage functions into a single unit. Components are stored within the container structure itself during transit, eliminating the need for separate storage areas for unloaded pallets. The container's enclosed design allows compact organization of all scaffold elements in a space-efficient manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container utilizes vertical space efficiently by stacking and organizing scaffold components in three-dimensional arrangements within its volume. Uprights are positioned vertically, cross-braces are arranged horizontally, and formwork panels are stacked, maximizing the use of available space without requiring additional ground-level storage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3114291B1A container and framework elements
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 FORM 700 PTI LTD
  • EP3114291B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3114291B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3114291B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a container for parts of a shoring or scaffold system, the container comprising at least one mounting point for at least a part of the scaffold system, wherein in use, when the part is in its in use position, at least a portion of the part is engageable with the mount, and when the part is not in use, the container is adapted to carry the part. In use, the container is multipurpose, in that it is adapted to carry scaffold parts, or serve as a platform for the scaffold. When not in use, the container is adapted to be or be stored within the footprint of the scaffold.