Scaffold Node Sleeve for Tolerance-Tolerant Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffolding systems face challenges in securely connecting scaffold elements with different dimensional tolerances, leading to connection problems, instability, and inefficient setup due to bulky and complex design.
Innovation Solution
A scaffold node with a connecting sleeve and coupling element that includes an inner projection protruding inwardly to absorb loads and accommodate dimensional variations, allowing for simple and secure interconnection of vertically and horizontally extending elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertically extending elements are equipped with devices for connecting other scaffold elements, then connection capability is improved, but the design becomes complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection device from the vertically extending elements and relocates it to a separate connecting sleeve. This allows the vertical elements to remain simple while the sleeve provides all necessary connection functionality through its coupling elements and inner projections.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold system is segmented into distinct functional components: simple vertically extending elements, connecting sleeves with coupling elements, and inner projections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the vertical elements for simplicity and the connecting sleeves for connection versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertically extending elements are equipped with connection devices, then connection capability is improved, but transport becomes difficult due to bulky design
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the bulky connection devices from the vertical elements and placing them in separate connecting sleeves, the vertical elements become compact and easy to transport. The sleeves can be transported separately and assembled at the construction site.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scaffold elements from different manufacturers are mixed, then resource utilization is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to dimensional tolerance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The inner projections are designed with specific dimensional parameters and tolerance ranges that can accommodate variations in vertical elements from different manufacturers. The projections act as mechanical tolerances that absorb dimensional variations while maintaining reliable load transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting sleeve with inner projections serves as an intermediary component between vertical elements from different manufacturers. It mediates the connection by providing a standardized interface that compensates for dimensional variations in the connected elements.
4Strength
If inner projections with large projection height are used to absorb loads, then load-bearing capability is improved, but the connecting sleeve becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The inner projections are strategically positioned at specific locations within the connecting sleeve where loads are transferred. Only the necessary portions of the sleeve wall are projected inward to provide load-bearing surfaces, rather than uniformly thickening the entire sleeve.
Data Source
AI summary
A scaffold node for connecting scaffold elements extending in different spatial directions, comprising a connecting sleeve which is provided as a coupling point for two scaffold components, in particular for two vertical posts or for a vertical post and a spindle nut post, and at least one coupling element which is used to connect the scaffold node to further scaffold components or scaffold elements. A scaffold portion comprising a scaffold node and further scaffold elements.