Modular Sidewalk Shed Assembly With Pin-Connected Plus-Shaped Legs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sidewalk shed systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble, lack flexibility in customization, and do not provide efficient support for construction workers on tall buildings.

Innovation Solution

A sidewalk shed system utilizing plus-shaped leg sections with rod headers, header beams, senior and junior beams, and braces, along with a platform and barrier, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly through pin connections and customizable configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional H- or I-shaped parts with clamps and screws are used for connections, then the sidewalk shed system provides structural support, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into modular components: plus-shaped leg sections with integrated connection points, interchangeable pins, and standardized holes. This segmentation allows rapid assembly by simply inserting pins into pre-positioned holes rather than threading screws through complex clamp mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using traditional screw-and-clamp mechanisms that require threading and tightening, the patent inverts the approach by using pin-based insertion systems where connections are made by simply placing pins into holes, reversing the conventional assembly sequence and dramatically reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized connection methods are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility in customization for different building heights and widths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The plus-shaped leg sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, contain integrated connection points for both vertical and horizontal connections, and accommodate interchangeable pins for various configuration needs. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized component to adapt to different building heights and widths without requiring custom-manufactured parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic, reconfigurable connections through interchangeable pins and standardized holes that allow the structure to be easily adjusted and reconfigured. This enables the same standardized components to adapt to different spatial requirements, providing customization flexibility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple connection points and bracing are added to enhance stability, then worker safety improves, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The plus-shaped leg sections are pre-configured with multiple connection points and bracing attachment locations before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows workers to quickly connect multiple stability-enhancing elements simultaneously by simply inserting pins, rather than sequentially tightening multiple screw connections, thereby maintaining structural stability while reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If traditional clamp and screw connections are used, then structural strength is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to deconstruct and relocate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw-and-clamp system with a pin-based insertion system. This substitution maintains connection strength through properly engineered pin-fit mechanisms while dramatically improving portability, as pins can be quickly removed and inserted without the time-consuming process of threading, tightening, and loosening screws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12497788B2Sidewalk shed

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 SHED INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sidewalk shed section can include a first and second pair of leg sections, wherein at least a portion of each leg section is plus-shaped, and each leg section can include a rod header located at a top end of the plus-shaped portion; at least one hole located at a bottom end of the plus-shaped portion; and a bracket configuration.