Modular Scaffolding Pin-Connector Assembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular scaffolding systems for bridge maintenance require heavy equipment like cranes for assembly, pose safety risks due to manual handling of heavy joists, and are cumbersome when building around obstacles or in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform design featuring frame beams with apertures for pin-based connections, allowing flexible positioning and easy assembly by a single person, with components weighing less than 50 pounds to avoid manpower restrictions, and a connector system enabling co-axial alignment and secure attachment without heavy equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional modular scaffolding systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but heavy equipment like cranes is required for assembly and the system becomes cumbersome when building around obstacles or in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular components including frame beams, deck support beams, and connectors that can be assembled independently. Each component is designed to be lightweight yet strong, allowing manual handling and assembly without heavy equipment while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system enables dynamic assembly processes where frame beams can be swung into position and locked at co-axial alignment. The pin and aperture mechanism allows for flexible positioning and easy assembly/disassembly, transforming the static structure into a dynamically assembleable system.
2Reliability
If heavy joists are used in traditional systems, then structural reliability is improved, but safety risks increase due to manual handling and the need for pins to be applied manually
Solution Approach 1:
The weight parameter of individual components is reduced to less than 50 pounds per component, making them manually handleable while maintaining structural reliability through optimized design. The frame beams and deck support beams are engineered to provide sufficient strength at reduced weights.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows a single person to perform the entire assembly operation by themselves - positioning the frame beam, inserting the pin, and swinging it into position - without requiring assistance or heavy equipment, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with manual handling of heavy joists.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connection systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility to build around obstacles and in tight areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system serves multiple functions: it provides rigid co-axial alignment when frame beams are in position, allows swinging motion during assembly, and enables easy disassembly. The pin and aperture mechanism can accommodate slight variations in positioning, providing both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid joint to a dynamic mechanism that allows swinging motion during assembly and operation. The frame beams can be swung into position and then locked, providing flexibility in positioning while maintaining structural stability when assembled.
4Strength
If traditional assembly processes are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases due to cumbersome procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are pre-designed with apertures positioned to receive pins at specific locations. The frame beams are pre-configured with apertures in their flanges at spaced intervals, allowing for quick alignment and connection without complex measurement or adjustment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection and alignment functions are merged into a single pin insertion operation. The pin simultaneously aligns the frame beams co-axially and secures them together, eliminating the need for separate alignment and fastening steps, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of parts for and method of constructing a modular platform. A frame beam connector member is connected to respective end portions of a pair of frame beams while the pair of frame beams are in substantially a side-by-side relation. One of the frame beams is then swung relative to the other to a co-axial position of the frame beams relative to each other. Then another frame beam connector member is connected to the respective end portions of the frame beams while the frame beams are in the co-axial position thereby to maintain the pair of frame beams in the co-axial position. A deck support beam is connected to a frame beam while in substantially a side-by-side relation therewith. The deck support beam is then swung to a position normal to the frame beams. The deck support beam is then connected to another frame beam.