Modular Shoring Tower with Ratchet Tenon and Cam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoring towers require tool-assisted assembly and pose safety risks due to the need for operators to exit the secure perimeter for frame alignment and locking, which can lead to accidental falls and instability issues during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular shoring tower design featuring ratchet tenons and complementary through holes for horizontal locking, allowing frames to be automatically locked and unlocked with a simple gesture within the secure perimeter, eliminating the need for tools and ensuring operator safety during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tool-assisted assembly with bolt and brace connection is used, then structural stability can be achieved, but assembly time increases and operator safety deteriorates due to exposure outside secure perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The shoring tower is divided into modular one-piece frames that can be independently assembled and locked together. Each frame is a complete unit with integrated locking mechanisms, allowing rapid assembly without tools while maintaining structural integrity through the modular connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a cam action system. When the frame is positioned correctly, the cam automatically engages with the locking surface to secure the structure without requiring external tools or additional manual intervention, thus reducing assembly time while ensuring stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional bolt and brace assembly requiring operator to exit secure perimeter is used, then proper frame alignment can be achieved, but operator safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental falls
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-based locking mechanism automatically aligns and secures frames when positioned within the secure perimeter. The cam action self-adjusts to engage the locking surface, eliminating the need for operators to exit the secure perimeter for alignment adjustments, thus maintaining both precision and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design incorporates pre-positioned locking surfaces and cam mechanisms that are ready to engage automatically. The geometry of the cam and locking surface is designed to guide proper alignment during the insertion motion itself, so alignment is achieved as part of the assembly action rather than as a separate step requiring perimeter exit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual hammer striking of key system is required for locking, then horizontal locking can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for tools and multiple voluntary actions
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism automatically performs the locking function through its geometric design. When the frame is inserted and positioned, the cam rotates or translates to engage the locking surface, creating horizontal locking without requiring hammer strikes or multiple manual actions. The system uses the assembly motion itself to activate the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual hammer-striking key system is replaced with a cam-based mechanical system that converts the linear insertion motion into automatic locking engagement. This substitution eliminates the need for external tools and multiple voluntary actions while maintaining the horizontal locking function through pure mechanical advantage.
4Reliability
If conventional assembly requiring multiple tools and voluntary actions is used, then secure locking can be achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cam locking mechanism is self-actuating and automatically secures frames during the assembly process. The system uses the motion of assembly itself to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for separate tool-assisted locking steps and significantly increasing assembly speed while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking action is integrated into the continuous assembly motion rather than being a separate discrete step. As the frame is inserted and positioned, the cam continuously engages the locking surface, maintaining secure locking throughout the assembly process without interruption or additional actions required.
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 rapid, tool-free assembly and disassembly of shoring towers with enhanced safety and ergonomics, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring structural stability by maintaining the operator within the secure perimeter during the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
said pawl being pivotally mounted on said tenon to form a lock
Implementation Method 2
said lock being arranged to lock said ratchet pin in said through hole in this security perimeter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3C
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
The tower has a pawl pivotably mounted on a tenon (80) and forming a bolt. A back traverse opening (81) is arranged at a free end of an upper horizontal rail (61). Axes (A, B) are included in a same horizontal plane such that the tenon and the opening corresponding with adjacent to be assembled single-piece frames (6) are encased by a horizontal swiveling movement (R) of one of the frames relative to the other frame around a fulcrum pin (C). The swiveling movement is included in a safety perimeter (P) and the pawl is arranged to lock the tenon with the opening traversing in the perimeter. The pin is defined by its post segment (40).