Scaffold Support Frame With Folding Linkages for Automated Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual assembly of scaffolding is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and poses safety risks due to repeated climbing and carrying of components, especially at higher levels, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
An auto-assembled-and-folded support frame with multiple straight rod assemblies and linkage assemblies that can be expanded or folded, allowing automatic assembly and dismantling using a robotic arm, reducing labor costs and improving safety by eliminating the need for manual climbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly of scaffolding is used, then workers can assemble the scaffolding with simple tools and procedures, but the assembly process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and poses safety risks due to repeated climbing and carrying of components
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame employs linkage assemblies with pivotable connections that enable dynamic transformation between folded and expanded states. The linkage mechanism allows the frame to automatically adjust its configuration during assembly and dismantling operations, improving efficiency while maintaining structural integrity throughout the transformation process
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame design allows the straight rod assemblies to be nested within each other when in the folded state, significantly reducing storage space and facilitating easier handling. The nested configuration enables compact storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed
2Ease of operation
If manual assembly of scaffolding is used, then workers can perform assembly tasks with basic equipment, but the repeated climbing and carrying of components consumes lots of energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is pre-configured with linkage assemblies and pivotable connections that enable automatic expansion and contraction. This preliminary design allows the frame to perform assembly and dismantling actions automatically, eliminating the need for workers to repeatedly climb and carry components, thus significantly reducing assembly time and physical effort
3Length of moving object
If manual assembly of scaffolding at higher levels is used, then workers can reach higher positions to assemble, but climbing while carrying things is dangerous and causes larger risk of work accident
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed to be self-assembling through its linkage mechanisms that automatically expand and lock into position. This self-service capability eliminates the need for workers to climb to higher levels to manually assemble components, thereby maintaining the ability to reach high positions while significantly improving work safety by removing human workers from dangerous climbing activities
4Length of moving object
If the support frame is in expanded state, then the scaffolding can be assembled at higher levels, but the frame occupies more space and is harder to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame utilizes dynamic linkage assemblies that enable automatic transformation between expanded and folded states. This dynamic capability allows the frame to occupy maximum space when needed for scaffolding assembly, then automatically contract to minimal space for efficient transportation and storage, resolving the contradiction between operational span and storage volume
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The support frame enables quick expansion and folding, facilitating safe and efficient scaffolding assembly and dismantling, minimizing labor costs and time, while enhancing worker safety by automating the process.
Implementation Method 1
multiple linkage assemblies are connected to be expandable and foldable
Implementation Method 2
Each one of the multiple linkage assemblies is connected between two of the multiple straight rod assemblies and comprises at least one first upper rod, a second upper rod, a joint seat, a first lower rod, at least one second lower rod, and a connecting seat. The at least one first upper rod and the second upper rod each have a bottom end pivotally connected to the joint seat.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A support frame assembled automatically comprises multiple straight rod assemblies (10) and linkage assemblies (2). The straight rod assemblies (10) are arranged rectangularly. Each linkage assemblies (2) connects two straight rod assemblies (10) and comprises multiple upper rods (40, 41) connected to one joint seat (20), and multiple lower rods (50, 51) connected to one connecting seat (30). When attaching the joint seat (20) to the connecting seat (30), the support frame and the straight rod assemblies (10) are expanded. When detaching the joint seat (20) from the connecting seat (30), the support frame and the straight rod assemblies (10) are folded. Aforementioned actions can be achieved by operating a pressure ring assembly (90) attached on the straight rod assemblies (10). The support frame is convenient for storage, saves space, and can be automatically stacked and set up scaffolding with automated equipment.