Scaffolding Support Frame with Vertical Holding Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scaffolding systems face challenges in safe transport and reliable storage of scaffolding decks, as they often result in unstable stacks that can collapse during prolonged storage or transport.

Innovation Solution

A support frame with a form-fitting holding device that secures scaffolding decks vertically, allowing for synchronized lifting and movement with a forklift, and includes longitudinal support devices for even weight distribution and lateral guidance to prevent slipping, enabling safe stacking and handling of multiple decks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If scaffold decks are stacked for storage and transport, then storage efficiency and transport capability are improved, but the stack stability deteriorates and the stacks can collapse during prolonged storage or transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of scaffold decks stackedVSAvoidstack stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame provides a nested structure where multiple scaffold decks are stacked vertically within a single support frame. The uprights form an outer framework that contains and stabilizes the nested scaffold decks, preventing collapse during storage and transport while maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame is prepared in advance with uprights positioned at correct spacing and height. The scaffold decks are pre-positioned within the support frame structure before transport or storage, ensuring proper alignment and stability is established beforehand rather than relying on temporary stacking during handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If scaffold decks are secured with holding devices, then vertical stability is improved, but the complexity of the support frame increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical stabilityVSAvoidsupport frame complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into modular components: uprights, cross members, and holding devices are separate elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity through standardized connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding devices serve multiple functions: they provide vertical stabilization of scaffold decks, enable positive locking engagement, and facilitate uniform weight distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple scaffold decks are stacked high, then storage efficiency is improved, but the risk of toppling over increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of scaffold decks stackedVSAvoidrisk of toppling over
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple scaffold decks are nested vertically within the confines of the support frame uprights. The uprights act as containing walls that prevent lateral displacement and toppling, allowing high stacking numbers to be achieved safely by providing continuous lateral support throughout the stack height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame structure is prepared in advance with uprights positioned to provide lateral containment. This preliminary structural framework ensures that when scaffold decks are stacked to high numbers, the lateral support is already in place to prevent toppling, rather than relying on the decks themselves to provide stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a positive-locking retaining device is added for synchronized lifting, then transport safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport safetyVSAvoidsupport frame complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positive-locking retaining device is merged with the existing holding device structure. The same mechanical components that provide vertical stabilization also serve as the positive-locking mechanism for synchronized lifting, eliminating the need for a completely separate lifting device and thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding devices are designed to perform multiple functions: vertical stabilization of scaffold decks, positive locking engagement to prevent slippage, and providing attachment points for synchronized lifting operations. This multi-functionality allows transport safety features to be integrated into existing structural elements rather than adding separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3851612B1Support frame for multiple scaffolding platforms
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 WILHELM JENS
  • EP3851612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3851612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3851612B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

1. Support frame for multiple scaffold platforms. 2.1 A support frame for multiple scaffold platforms with at least one upright having two support feet connected to each other by means of a crossbeam extending transversely between the support feet, and with two rungs projecting upwards from each support foot, each rung being detachably held to the associated support foot without tools, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, a positive-locking retaining device for at least one scaffold platform is provided, which is associated with the upright. 2.3 Use in scaffolding construction.