Scaffold Hook Mechanism for Stable Floor Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current scaffolding systems are complex, expensive, and pose safety risks due to inadequate connection mechanisms, leading to instability and potential tripping hazards, especially when extending for thermal insulation applications.

Innovation Solution

A hanging hook mechanism with a horizontal slot and support pin, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of scaffolding extensions without additional tools, using a U-shaped component that blocks unwanted movement and provides a stable load-bearing attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If scaffolding floor extensions are made robust and load-bearing with additional triangular supports and connections, then stability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of scaffolding floor extensionVSAvoidcomplexity of connection mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a U-shaped component for attachment, a support pin for positioning, and a triangular support for stabilization. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support pin acts as an intermediary element between the U-shaped attachment component and the triangular support structure. It provides a simple mechanical link that transmits loads while enabling easy assembly and disassembly without complex connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If scaffolding floor extensions are positioned lower to extend further from the wall, then working space for thermal insulation applications is improved, but tripping hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking space for thermal insulationVSAvoidtripping hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffolding floor extension is designed to be dynamically adjustable in position. The telescoping mechanism allows the extension to be extended further when needed for thermal insulation work and retracted when not needed, thereby adapting the working space while minimizing tripping hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extension mechanism is pre-configured with the U-shaped components and support pins in a retracted position, ready to be extended only when thermal insulation work is required. This preliminary preparation allows the system to provide maximum working space when needed while maintaining a safe, compact configuration otherwise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If telescoping outriggers are used for easy activation of scaffolding extensions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of attachment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of activationVSAvoidreliability of attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping outriggers are designed to self-align and self-lock into position through their mechanical geometry. The U-shaped components automatically engage with the support pins when the extension is moved into position, providing reliable attachment without requiring additional fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The U-shaped components feature curved surfaces that guide the support pins into proper alignment during the extension process. This curved geometry ensures that the connection elements engage smoothly and reliably, maintaining both ease of operation and attachment security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Reliability

If scaffolding deck parts are made firmly connected to prevent lifting, then safety is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against liftingVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism transitions from a static, permanent connection to a dynamic, reversible connection. The U-shaped components with support pins provide firm connection during assembly through simple insertion and engagement actions, while enabling equally simple removal when disassembly is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The complex fastening and securing operations are extracted and replaced by a simple insertion mechanism. The support pins are inserted through holes in the scaffolding deck parts and engaged by the U-shaped components, eliminating the need for multiple fastening steps while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2578772B1Foldable scaffold floor extension
Publication Date: 2015.08.19 ASB PRODN
  • EP2578772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2578772B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The scaffold has vertical arms (1) arranged at a distance to each other and connected to an adjusting frame over a horizontally-aligned latch (2). Horizontal scaffold base parts (4) are arranged on the frame and connected with one another. The base parts lie on a support pin (6) by a rigidly connected hook (5). The support pin is horizontally aligned and fastened to the vertical arms. The hook is perpendicularly aligned with respect to the support pin and penetrated via a horizontal slot. The hook projects from a perpendicular edge, and is moved over the support pin. An independent claim is also included for a method for fastening a scaffold bottom extension to a scaffold.