Scaffold Railing Device Lateral Offset Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leading railings for scaffolding are difficult to assemble and dismantle, require complex mechanisms, and do not provide optimal safety due to a large distance between the inner edge of the temporary railing rail and the scaffolding toe board, compromising safety standards.

Innovation Solution

A railing device with laterally offset connection units and a U-shaped or fork-shaped first connection device that allows telescopic railing rails to be connected closer to the scaffolding axis, featuring a tilting pin for secure and independent assembly/dismantling, reducing the distance between the railing rail and the scaffolding toe board to ≤80 mm for enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connection units are arranged in front of the vertical post (conventional design), then the assembly is simplified, but the distance between the railing rail and toe board increases, reducing safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidsafety distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection units are arranged laterally offset in the transverse direction rather than in front of the vertical post, changing the spatial dimension of connection from longitudinal (front-to-back) to transverse (side-to-side). This dimensional shift allows the railing system to achieve both easy assembly and optimal safety distance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If complex mechanisms like scissor-like claws with active opening/closing are used, then connection reliability improves, but assembly and disassembly become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses spring-loaded claws that automatically engage with the vertical post when the railing is inserted. The claws open automatically upon insertion and close/secure themselves through spring force, eliminating the need for manual opening/closing operations while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The complex active mechanical system of scissor-like claws requiring rotary movement is replaced with a passive spring-loaded claw mechanism. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement and secure locking without requiring complex actuation, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic railing stiles are used, then adaptability to different heights is improved, but the distance from the railing to the working level increases, reducing safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adaptabilityVSAvoidfall distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The projection units extend in the transverse direction rather than longitudinally, allowing the telescopic railing stiles to be positioned laterally offset from the vertical post. This transverse positioning brings the inner edge of the railing closer to the toe board while still allowing height adjustment through telescopic action, simultaneously achieving adaptability and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3947850B1Railing device, namely an intermediate railing for a scaffolding
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 WILHELM LAYHER VERWALTUNGS GMBH
  • EP3947850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3947850B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3947850B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A railing device (40) for a scaffold (50), wherein the railing device (40) is designed as a so-called leading railing device which can be mounted from an existing lower scaffold level for an upper scaffold level to be mounted thereabove and which then forms an, in particular temporary, lateral protection for the upper scaffold level, comprising railing posts (10) and temporary railing members (20), wherein the railing posts (10) have a first connection device (12), which is arranged in the upper end region of the railing post (10), for releasably connecting one or two temporary railing members (20), characterized in that the first connection device (12) is designed in such a way that, with the railing device (40) connected to the scaffold (50), and as seen in a plan view, the spacing dimension (ZA) in the transverse direction of the inner edge (26), which points towards the scaffold (50), of the temporary railing member (20) from the outer edge (24) of the toe board or of the decking (62) of the scaffold (50) is less than or equal to a permissible spacing dimension which is 80 mm (millimetres).