Segmented Foldable Scaffold Structure for Compact Height Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable scaffolds do not effectively reduce overall height when folded for storage, leading to increased space requirements and potential protrusion during storage, and lack stability in supporting loads.

Innovation Solution

A foldable scaffold design featuring a support frame and pillar frame with rotatably connected divided frames that rotate to parallel orientations, allowing for efficient folding and unfolding, minimizing overall height and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the connection frame is folded to reduce the gap between pillar frames, then the space between pillar frames decreases, but the overall height does not decrease and the connection frame protrudes from the pillar frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace between pillar framesVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pillar frame is divided into multiple segments (first pillar frame segment, second pillar frame segment, third pillar frame segment) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the pillar frame to fold in a controlled manner, reducing both the gap between pillar frames and the overall height when folded, while preventing protrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection frame is configured to fold not only horizontally to reduce the gap between pillar frames but also vertically through rotatable connections. This multi-dimensional folding capability allows simultaneous reduction of both horizontal space and overall height, eliminating the protrusion problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the scaffold is designed to be foldable for storage, then the space utilization improves, but the stability in supporting loads decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoldable capabilityVSAvoidload support stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scaffold employs rotatable connections between frame segments that allow dynamic transformation between unfolded (work) state and folded (storage) state. During work, the structure maintains stability through rigid connections, while during storage, it can be dynamically folded. This dynamic capability provides both adaptability and reliability at different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the pillar frame into multiple rotatable segments, the structure can fold for storage while maintaining structural integrity when unfolded. Each segment can be independently positioned, allowing the scaffold to achieve compact folded state for improved space utilization while preserving load-bearing stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If the scaffold structure is made compact for storage, then the space required for storage decreases, but the ease of operation increases due to complex folding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidfolding operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable connections between frame segments enable smooth, controlled folding and unfolding operations. The dynamic nature of these connections allows workers to easily transform the scaffold between compact and expanded states without complex mechanisms, reducing the effort required for operation while maintaining compact storage volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 scaffold stably supports loads while efficiently reducing its overall height in a folded state, minimizing space requirements, and facilitating convenient folding and unfolding.

Implementation Method 1

the pillar frame is disposed below the support frame and rotatably connected to the support frame... the plurality of divided frames are rotatably connected to each other... the plurality of divided frames rotate from the first state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP4678848A1Foldable scaffold
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 HD KOREA SHIPBUILDING & OFFSHORE ENG CO LTD
  • EP4678848A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4678848A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4678848A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a foldable scaffold. The foldable scaffold according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a support frame supporting an object; and pillar frames located under the support frame and connected rotatably to the support frame, wherein the pillar frames each comprise a plurality of divided frames which are sequentially connected from the support frame. The plurality of divided frames are rotatably connected to one another, the height directions of the plurality of divided frames face the ground in a first state, and are parallel to the ground in a second state in which the plurality of divided frames are rotated from the first state.