Scaffold Coupler Mounting for Curved and Flat Surface Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scaffold systems require customization for tank construction, limiting their adaptability to other construction projects and are costly due to high fabrication costs and specialized access requirements, leading to inefficiencies in labor and material usage.

Innovation Solution

A scaffold securing device comprising a base and coupler that can be secured to fixed surfaces, allowing conventional scaffolding to be easily attached to linear or curvilinear surfaces, including cylindrical and spherical surfaces, enhancing mobility and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If customized scaffold systems are used for tank construction, then worker access and wind protection are improved, but fabrication costs and adaptability to other construction projects worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker access and wind protectionVSAvoidadaptability to other construction projects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffold securing device is designed with a universal base that can attach to multiple surface types (flat, curved, cylindrical, spherical) and the coupler can accommodate various scaffold pipe diameters. This multi-functional design allows the same device to secure scaffolds for tank construction while also being applicable to civil, structural steel, and concrete work, eliminating the need for project-specific customizations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional beam clamp connections are used, then scaffold erection is simplified, but mobility and reusability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescaffold erection simplicityVSAvoidmobility and reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the coupler can be easily attached and detached from the base through a simple locking/unlocking action. This dynamic design allows the scaffold to be quickly repositioned and the securing device to be reused on different locations, transforming the static beam clamp connection into a mobile and reusable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If specialized access systems are used for tall tanks, then worker safety and wind protection are improved, but labor costs and complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safety and wind protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity and labor costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The specialized access system is segmented into independent components: a base that attaches to the tank shell, support members that provide structural support, and couplers that connect to standard scaffold pipes. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity and labor costs while maintaining worker safety and wind protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12553248B2Systems and methods for securing construction site scaffolding

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 BECHTEL EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A scaffold securing device and methods for securing conventional scaffolding to a linear or a curvilinear surface.