Scaffold Toeboard Assembly with Slidable Riser for Swing Gate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scaffold toeboard systems do not effectively integrate with swing gates, leading to potential hazards and inefficiencies, as traditional toeboards can obstruct the opening and closing of access openings and require frequent replacement due to weathering.

Innovation Solution

A scaffold toeboard assembly that includes a toeboard frame coupled with a riser and a lift handle, slidably attached to a support frame that can be securely attached to a swing gate, allowing the toeboard to be raised and lowered without obstructing the gate's operation, using adjustable gate hooks and positioning members for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional toeboards are used on scaffold gates, then safety coverage is improved, but the gate operation is obstructed and the toeboards require frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety coverageVSAvoidgate operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toeboard is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be raised when the gate needs to open and lowered when the gate is closed. This dynamic adjustment eliminates obstruction during gate operation while maintaining safety coverage when the gate is closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The toeboard system is divided into separate components: the toeboard itself, the riser with lifting mechanism, and the support frame attachment system. This segmentation allows the toeboard to be independently raised and lowered without affecting the gate structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If wooden toeboards are used, then initial cost is reduced, but durability is worsened due to weathering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial costVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed wooden toeboards to a movable metal toeboard system. The material change from wood to metal fundamentally alters the durability parameter, allowing the toeboard to withstand weathering conditions without degradation, while the movable design extends its service life by preventing damage from repeated installation/removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If toeboards are fixed to the scaffold structure, then stability is improved, but adaptability is worsened for different gate positions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidadaptability for different gate positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The toeboard's vertical position is made adjustable through the lifting mechanism, allowing it to be positioned at different heights to accommodate various gate positions and configurations. This dynamic positioning capability provides adaptability while the support frame maintains overall stability when the toeboard is in its operational position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11761217B2Scaffold gate toeboard assembly for use on a scaffold gate

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 DELTAK MFG

AI summary

A scaffold toeboard assembly including a toeboard frame having a toeboard coupled to a riser with a first and second end, with a lift handle coupled to the first end, and a toeboard coupled to the second end. The assembly further including a support frame having a vertical support with an attachment member configured to couple to a scaffold swing gate, wherein the riser is slidably coupled to the vertical support.