Intermediate Scaffold Joint Rotation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermediate scaffold joints require attachment of an intermediate horizontal member to prevent undesired rotation, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An improved intermediate scaffold joint design featuring a frame with a latch and channel bracket for secure attachment to primary horizontal members, along with a vertical stub for attaching intermediate vertical members, and projections or clamps for attaching intermediate horizontal members, eliminating the need for pre-attachment of the intermediate horizontal member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the intermediate scaffold joint is attached to the existing horizontal member, then the intermediate vertical member can be supported, but the joint rotates about its attachment point causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of intermediate vertical member attachmentVSAvoidrotation resistance of the joint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is divided into separate functional components: a mounting member for attachment to the horizontal scaffold member, and a vertical member attachment portion. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - the mounting member provides stable attachment while the vertical attachment portion prevents rotation through its specific geometry and engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member is designed to be attached to the horizontal scaffold member first, establishing a stable base before the intermediate vertical member is attached. This preliminary action ensures that the joint is firmly anchored and cannot rotate about the attachment point, solving the stability issue before the vertical member is installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If an intermediate horizontal member is attached to the joint to prevent rotation, then the joint stability is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation prevention of the jointVSAvoidnumber of components required for attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of preventing rotation and supporting the intermediate vertical member are merged into a single integrated joint design. The mounting member and vertical member attachment portion work together as one unit, eliminating the need for a separate intermediate horizontal member to prevent rotation. This reduces the total number of components and simplifies the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint is designed as a universal connection device that can prevent rotation and support vertical members through its own integrated structure, without requiring additional specialized components like intermediate horizontal members. The mounting member and vertical attachment portion together perform multiple functions that previously required separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If an intermediate horizontal member is attached to prevent rotation, then the joint stability is improved, but the installation time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation prevention of the jointVSAvoidinstallation time for intermediate members

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation prevention function and vertical member support function are combined into a single joint assembly, eliminating the need to attach a separate intermediate horizontal member. This reduces the number of installation steps and the time required to complete the assembly process while maintaining joint stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member is pre-configured with features that prevent rotation upon attachment to the horizontal scaffold member. This preliminary design ensures that when the joint is installed, it automatically resists rotation without requiring additional intermediate horizontal members, thereby reducing installation time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8973711B2Intermediate scaffold joint

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 DELTAK MFG

AI summary

An improved intermediate scaffold joint comprising a frame, a first mounting member, a second mounting member, and a vertical stub. The frame has an interior side, an exterior side, and a top side. Both the first mounting member and the second mounting member are attached to the frame's exterior side for securing the frame to an existing scaffold structure. A vertical stub is attached to the frame's top side for attaching an intermediate vertical scaffold member to the frame.