Scaffolding Wedge Pivot Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scaffolding systems face challenges in securely and easily attaching scaffolding components to vertical scaffolding elements, particularly when the fitter cannot reach the projection area with their hand, leading to safety risks and difficulties in assembling leading railings.
Innovation Solution
A vertical scaffolding element with a transverse recess and a connection head featuring a wedge support body and pivot abutment that allows the wedge to pivot into a locking position automatically, ensuring a secure and easy attachment of the scaffolding component without manual intervention beyond a safe reach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wedge is designed to be manually positioned and secured by the fitter, then the connection can be securely fastened, but the fitter must reach into the projection area which compromises safety
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is designed with a pivotable connection to the connection head, allowing it to automatically pivot into the locked position on the projection without manual intervention. The wedge self-secures by utilizing its own geometry and the projection's shape, eliminating the need for the fitter to reach into the projection area while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge is pre-configured in the connection head at an angle that enables it to automatically pivot onto the projection when the connection head is attached to the vertical scaffolding element. This preliminary positioning ensures the wedge engages the projection before the fitter needs to perform any securing actions, maintaining both safety and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the wedge is made detachable for easy removal, then the connection can be quickly disconnected, but the connection head may unintentionally loosen during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is designed as a single-use, non-adjustable component that is intentionally deformed or broken during the locking process to prevent removal. This ensures the connection remains permanently secure during assembly while still allowing quick detachment when needed by replacing the wedge rather than adjusting it.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge transitions from a removable state during initial insertion to a permanently fixed state through intentional deformation or breaking. This parameter change from removable to fixed prevents unintentional loosening during assembly while maintaining the ability to detach the connection by replacing the degraded wedge component.
3Reliability
If the wedge automatically locks into position, then secure fastening is achieved, but the wedge may block the horizontal slot during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is pivotally connected to the connection head, allowing it to dynamically change position from a retracted state during insertion to a locked state after insertion. The wedge pivots out of the horizontal slot's path during attachment, enabling smooth insertion, then automatically pivots into the locked position on the projection to secure the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge operates in a different dimensional plane by pivoting rotationally rather than moving linearly. This rotational movement allows the wedge to clear the horizontal slot during insertion and then engage the projection perpendicular to the insertion direction, achieving secure fastening without blocking the insertion path.
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 safe and simple assembly of scaffolding components from a secure position, preventing unintentional loosening and ensuring secure pre-assembly of leading railings even when the fitter cannot reach the projection area.
Implementation Method 1
whereby the wedge can be released automatically due to gravity and/or spring force, so that the wedge crosses the slot into or through the lower wedge opening into the locking position
Implementation Method 2
whereby the wedge can be released automatically due to gravity and/or spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The assembly has a slot that is designed with a shoulder of an upper head part, where the shoulder is extended in direction on its slot base or in area of slot base or in a rear area of the slot below horizontal upper slot surface. The shoulder is arranged in a supporting position above a horizontal upper boundary surface of an outer projection part of a projection (44). The shoulder is provided in the supporting position, if a wedge (62) is located in a locking position. A connection head (61) is clamped with a vertical scaffolding element (41) by the wedge.