Scaffold Tray with Pole-Engaging Recesses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for tool storage on scaffolding towers are either unsuitable or inadequate, as they lack secure engagement with the tower rails, are unstable in wind, or complicate tool retrieval, posing safety and accessibility issues for tradesmen.
Innovation Solution
A lipped tray with recessed regions on its sides that engage with scaffolding poles, using a push-fit mechanism and optional locking straps to secure the tray in place, allowing easy access and stability, and folding for carrying and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the tray uses a deep receptacle design to engage with scaffolding poles, then stability is improved, but tool accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from deep vertical engagement (Nolan's design) to shallow engagement by utilizing the horizontal dimension between two poles. The tray engages with both poles simultaneously, creating stability through spatial distribution rather than deep vertical insertion, thereby allowing shallow depth and easy tool access.
2Device complexity
If the tray engages with only one rail, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates due to wind vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines engagement with two separate poles into a single unified tray structure. The tray simultaneously engages both poles, merging two engagement points into one device, which provides bidirectional stability against wind forces while maintaining simple overall design.
3Reliability
If the tray is designed to be securely locked in place, then reliability is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the permanent locking mechanism from the design, relying instead on friction-based engagement through recessed regions. The tray can be pushed onto the poles for secure engagement during use, but can also be easily removed by pulling it off, providing both security and ease of removal without complex locking mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the tray uses a shallow design for easy tool access, then tool accessibility is improved, but stability deteriorates due to wind susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for shallow depth by utilizing the horizontal dimension between two poles. Instead of relying on vertical depth for stability, the tray distributes engagement forces across two separate pole contact points, achieving stability through spatial distribution in the horizontal plane while maintaining shallow vertical profile for easy tool access.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4b
AI summary
The present invention discloses a lipped tray, intended for use on scaffold towers and adapted to hold builders' tools in use. The tray incorporates on each of its two opposite side edge regions a means which, when the tray is in use, locates the tray between horizontally successive rails of the tower in a manner which also causes the tray to engage with one at least of those rails and be supported, in use, by each of them.