Scaffolding Coupler Bent Pin Self-Locking Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing scaffolding coupler systems require multiple parts and complex assembly processes, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies in erecting scaffolding, as well as difficulties in accessing and removing the wedge components during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified scaffolding coupler design consisting of only two parts: a foot and hook with a bent pin that self-locks onto the pipe, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for multiple mounting operations and reducing the number of unnecessary longitudinal ledgers required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a four-part coupler with wedge and hinge pin is used, then the coupler can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foot, hook, and pin into a single integrated coupler component. The pin is formed as one piece with the foot and hook, eliminating the need for separate hinge pins and wedges. This merging of components directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the functional reliability of the coupler assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the wedge component entirely from the coupler design. Instead of using a separate wedge that requires striking into place and can be knocked loose, the pin is designed to be permanently formed as part of the coupler body. This extraction of the wedge element simplifies the assembly process and reduces the number of parts.
2Reliability
If multiple mounting operations are required for assembly, then the coupler can be securely assembled, but the manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is pre-formed as an integral part of the foot and hook during the manufacturing process, rather than requiring assembly operations. This preliminary formation of the pin eliminates multiple mounting steps and reduces both assembly time and cost, while the pre-formed geometry ensures secure assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the wedge is struck into place at one end, then the coupler can be assembled, but the wedge can be knocked loose from the opposite end
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is merged with the foot and hook as a single integrated component, eliminating the separate wedge that can be knocked loose. The pin's permanent formation as part of the coupler body ensures it cannot be accidentally dislodged from either end, maintaining retention reliability while keeping assembly easy.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional longitudinal ledgers are added to support transverse ledger couplers, then the scaffolding structure is complete, but the erection time and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional longitudinal ledgers by designing the coupler to attach directly to the standard without requiring intermediate support ledgers. The integrated pin and hook configuration allows direct coupling, removing the unnecessary longitudinal ledger component and reducing both material costs and erection time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The two-part design reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the assembly process, and eliminates the need for additional longitudinal ledgers, resulting in faster and more cost-effective scaffolding construction with improved structural rigidity and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the bent pin is provided with a substantially circular segmental inside contour located on a radial inside of the bent pin, and which, in use, abuts directly against a pipe wall of a standard, or a ledger
Implementation Method 2
the inside contour and the outside contour of the pin being oriented relative to each other such that a radial thickness of the bent pin viewed from a first free end towards a second free end of the pin gradually increases
Data Source
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AI summary
A scaffolding coupler intended for fixed attachment to the ends of a ledger of a scaffolding system. The scaffolding coupler comprises a foot and a hook which is integrally connected with the foot. The hook has a radial inside contour which is substantially circular segmental. The scaffolding coupler has at least one supporting surface which is formed by the foot and the hook and which, with the scaffolding coupler connected to a standard, rests on a supporting projection of the respective standard. The scaffolding coupler further comprises a pin which is slideably connected to the hook. The pin is configured as a bent pin, having a substantially circular segmental inside contour, which, in use, abuts directly against a pipe wall of a standard to be coupled to the first ledger or a ledger. The bent pin has a substantially circular segmental outside contour which abuts against the substantially circular segmental inside contour of the hook.