Scaffold Locking Pin Handle Guard Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable scaffold units with exposed locking pin handles are prone to accidental disengagement due to external contact, leading to potential scaffold instability.
Innovation Solution
The locking pin handle is designed to extend below an associated guard on the interior side, preventing accidental rotation and disengagement by keeping all moving parts within the scaffold envelope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking pin handle is exposed outside the scaffold envelope, then the handle is easily accessible for operation, but the handle can be accidentally contacted causing disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin handle is nested within the guard structure, specifically positioned to extend below the guard on the interior side. This nesting configuration protects the handle from external contact while maintaining its functionality for intentional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard acts as an intermediary barrier between the locking pin handle and the external environment. By positioning the handle below the guard, the guard mediates protection against accidental contact while allowing controlled access for intentional operation.
2Reliability
If the locking pin handle extends below the guard on the interior side, then accidental contact is prevented, but the handle length is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is nested within the guard structure, utilizing the guard's protective envelope. This nesting allows the handle to maintain sufficient length for operation while being protected from external contact that could cause accidental disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle length is optimized for its specific function within the constrained space below the guard. Rather than maximizing overall length, the local quality of the handle is tailored to provide adequate leverage and grip within the protected interior region.
Data Source
AI summary
A scaffold includes a first end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a second end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a first side brace assembly supported by the first end frame assembly and the second end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a second side brace assembly supported by the first end frame assembly and the second end frame assembly. Each end frame assembly has a first rail with holes and a caster assembly and a second rail with holes and a caster assembly, and a horizontal that is attached to each rail. Each side brace assembly has a locking pin in proximity to each end which engages with a hole in a respective rail, and an associated guard disposed about each pin. Each locking pin has a handle which has a length that extends below the associated guard on an interior side of the guard. A method for a scaffold.