Scaffolding Thread Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for affixing support rings to aluminum scaffolding columns, such as welding, weaken the column's strength and are not suitable for large-scale production, while clamps are inefficient for quantity production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a thread body that is rotated into longitudinal and ring tracks on the column and support ring, respectively, creating a secure lock without substantial weakening, facilitated by an actuator with a tool for automated displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clamp is used to affix support ring to column, then column strength is preserved, but production efficiency is low for large quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The tracks are pre-formed on the column and support ring during manufacturing. This preliminary action enables rapid assembly through simple thread engagement without requiring time-consuming clamp adjustments or custom fabrication for each connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread body automatically engages with the pre-formed tracks on both the column and support ring, creating a self-aligning connection that requires minimal manual intervention and no complex clamp mechanisms, thereby significantly improving production efficiency.
2Reliability
If thread body with external diameter larger than collective track depth is used, then secure locking is achieved, but track depth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thread body extends beyond the track depth in the radial dimension while achieving secure locking through its threading action along the axial dimension. The threading mechanism creates mechanical interlocking that compensates for the limited track depth, allowing reliable connection without requiring excessively deep tracks.
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
Enables fast, simple, and permanent assembly of scaffolding columns and support rings without significant strength reduction, allowing for efficient production of large quantities.
Implementation Method 1
the thread body cuts into the material of both the scaffolding column and the support ring and thus locks the support ring in a fixed position on the scaffolding column
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method and device for locking of a support ring (8) to a scaffolding column (1), wherein the support ring (8) is formed with a through opening (10), and wherein the support ring (8) fits in a complementary and displaceable manner onto the scaffolding column (1), and wherein the method comprises: - providing an external mantel surface of the scaffolding column (1) with a longitudinal column track (4); - providing an inner mantel (12) of the support ring (8) with a ring track (14); - displacing a support ring (8) along and around the scaffolding column (1); - positioning the column track (4) and the ring track (14) next to each other; and - displacing a thread body (22) into the column track (4) and the ring track (14) during rotation of the thread body (22) about a longitudinal axis (28) thereof, a column track depth (6) and a ring track depth (16) having a collective depth being smaller than an external thread diameter (30) of the thread body (22).