Vertical Frame U-Profile Strut With Internal Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertical scaffolding frames require additional reinforcement in the node area when using U-profiles as upper horizontal struts, which increases complexity and material usage, and are thought to necessitate struts for structural rigidity, despite the assumption that thinner materials would be less stable.

Innovation Solution

Designing the vertical frame with an upper horizontal strut as an open U-profile and using inserts at the lower end, where the upper end of the vertical post is flush with the strut, eliminating the need for additional reinforcement and allowing for easier deck attachment, while using tubular material with specific dimensions and properties to maintain structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a U-profile is used as the upper horizontal strut, then walkways can be easily attached to the strut, but additional reinforcement measures are required in the node area to maintain structural rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewalkway attachmentVSAvoidnode area reinforcement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An insert is inserted into the hollow profile of the vertical post at the upper end, creating a nested structure where the insert reinforces the node area internally without adding external complexity. This allows the U-profile strut to be attached easily while the insert provides the necessary structural reinforcement from within the vertical post.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If thicker vertical posts are used, then structural strength is improved, but material usage and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical post strengthVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly thickening the entire vertical post, an insert is placed locally at the upper end where reinforcement is needed. This provides localized strengthening at the critical node area while maintaining thinner, lighter wall thickness in the rest of the vertical post, optimizing the balance between strength and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the U-profile completely encloses the vertical post, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to attach walkways is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidwalkway attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is nested within the vertical post's hollow profile, providing complete internal enclosure for structural stability, while the U-profile remains externally accessible for walkway attachment. This nested configuration allows both complete enclosure for stability and open access for operation without conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Strength

If reinforcement measures are added in the node area, then structural rigidity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and processing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode area rigidityVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is inserted into the existing hollow profile of the vertical post, utilizing the available internal space rather than adding external reinforcement components. This nested approach maintains node area rigidity through the insert's presence within the hollow profile, avoiding the need for additional welding or attachment steps that would increase manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2161391B1Vertical frame for frames with open-top profile as upper horizontal strut
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 HUENNEBECK GMBH
  • EP2161391B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The vertical frame (1) has a hollow profile shaped vertical post (2), where vertical posts connection units are provided for vertical connection of multiple vertical frames at lower and upper end areas (3,4). An upper horizontal rod (5) is formed as upper open profile, particularly v-shaped or u-shaped profile. A pipe material is made of steel, and has a thickness of 2.5 to 2.7 millimeter.