Scaffolding Bracket with Retainer and Fixed Chain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scaffolding systems with joining mechanisms, such as flexible chains, are unstable and prone to plank slippage, leading to potential system collapse and worker injuries due to inadequate securing.

Innovation Solution

A scaffolding bracket design featuring support surfaces with retainers and a joining chain that passes through endpieces of plank segments, providing secure anchoring and preventing slippage with vertical surfaces to stabilize the planks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible chain is used as a joining mechanism, then the planks can be connected, but the connection becomes unstable and planks may slide off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplank connection capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A chain with a fixed length is introduced as an intermediary element between the planks. The chain is anchored to the bracket, serving as a mediator that connects the planks while maintaining stable spacing and preventing excessive movement or slippage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The chain length is fixed at a specific parameter value that optimizes both connection capability and stability. This parameter change from variable to fixed length resolves the contradiction by providing consistent spacing while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If too much slack is provided in the joining mechanism, then the planks can move freely, but the planks may slide off the bracket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplank adjustment freedomVSAvoidplank retention security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chain length is fixed at an optimal parameter value that allows sufficient freedom for plank placement and adjustment while simultaneously preventing excessive movement that would cause slippage off the bracket

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a joining mechanism is incorporated, then the planks can be connected, but the mechanism may be improperly secured leading to system collapse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplank joining capabilityVSAvoidworker safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chain anchored to the bracket serves as a secure intermediary connection that distributes loads and provides redundant security, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure even if improper securing occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed chain length and anchoring mechanism provide beforehand security measures that prevent complete system collapse, cushioning against the harmful effect of improper securing by workers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10604951B2Support member for joinable scaffolding planks

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 ALUM-A- POLE CORP

AI summary

A support member is provided for joining scaffolding plank segments comprising a first support surface for supporting a first scaffolding plank segment and a second support surface parallel to the first support surface for supporting a second scaffolding plank segment. A joining member joins the first and second plank segments, a first retainer is provided for retaining the first scaffolding plank segment on the first support surface and a second retainer for retaining the second scaffolding plank segment on the second support surface. A system is further provided comprising at least two scaffolding plank segments and a bracket, such as that described above, for supporting an end of each of the segments.