Work Platform Support Elements for Sloped Bridge Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Construction workers face challenges when working on bridges with sloped surfaces, as existing scaffolding solutions do not effectively provide a stable and safe working platform on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A work platform system comprising multiple support elements, each consisting of a first base member, a second base member, a vertical support member, and a horizontal support member, which are attached to the sloped surface to create a stable and flat working platform parallel to the horizontal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional scaffolding is used on sloped surfaces, then workers can be supported, but the platform becomes unstable and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements incorporate adjustable components that allow the platform to adapt dynamically to sloped surfaces. The base members can be positioned at different heights and angles to match the slope, while the platform itself remains horizontal, providing stability and safety on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes geometric parameters by using support elements with adjustable lengths and angles. The vertical support members can be inclined at different angles relative to the sloped surface, and the horizontal support members can be positioned at varying heights to maintain platform levelness despite surface variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed platform design is used, then assembly is simple, but the platform cannot adapt to different slope angles
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are divided into distinct segments: base members for attachment to the sloped surface, vertical support members that can be inclined, and horizontal support members that remain level. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling adaptation to various slopes while maintaining relative simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed as universal components that can be used on different slope angles and configurations. The same type of support element can be adjusted to work on gentle or steep slopes, making the system versatile without requiring multiple specialized components for each slope condition
3Stability of the object's composition
If support elements are made rigid for stability, then the platform is stable, but assembly and adjustment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements incorporate movable joints and adjustable connections that allow assembly without requiring precise rigid fitting. Components can be positioned and adjusted to match the slope, then secured to provide stable support, combining ease of assembly with structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
A work platform including a plurality of support elements and a work platform being supported by the plurality of support elements. Each support element including a first base member, a second base member, a vertical support member, and a horizontal support element. The first and second base members are attached to a sloped surface. The vertical support member is attached to the first base member and extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a horizontal axis from which the sloped surface extends. The horizontal support member is attached to the second base member and configured to be removably attached to the vertical support member, where the horizontal support member is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis when attached to the vertical support member. The work platform is supported by the plurality of support elements such that the work platform is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis.