Vehicle Access Device Holder for Safety Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for storing safety equipment on vehicles, such as wheel chocks and fire extinguishers, face issues like exposure to contamination, damage, and reduced accessibility due to high storage locations and the risk of equipment being lost or forgotten, particularly on large commercial vehicles with deployable access devices.
Innovation Solution
A holder system integrated with deployable and retractable access devices on vehicles that keeps equipment accessible at ground level, protects it from damage, and maintains dry powder fire extinguishers in a fluid state by moving with the access device, using retainers and a modular design for easy interchange and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wheel chocks and safety equipment are stored on external hangers at the front or rear of the vehicle, then they are readily accessible, but they are exposed to contamination, damage from impact, and water soaking
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is integrated with the deployable access device structure, merging the storage function with the existing access device. This combines protection (by storing equipment inside the vehicle structure) with accessibility (by deploying the holder when needed), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed to be deployable and retractable along with the access device. When the access device is deployed, the holder becomes accessible; when retracted, the holder is protected inside the vehicle structure. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between accessibility and protection modes, resolving the contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wheel chocks are stored on high hangers to prevent impact with the ground, then they are protected from damage, but users risk back and leg/knee injury when lifting them
Solution Approach 1:
The holder deploys to ground level when the access device is extended, bringing the equipment within easy lifting distance while maintaining protection during retraction. The dynamic positioning allows the system to provide protection during storage and ease of operation during use, resolving the contradiction between protection from impact and ease of lifting.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dry powder fire extinguishers are stored statically in external cabinets, then they are protected from damage, but the powder becomes compacted and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The holder moves with the deployable access device, creating periodic motion that prevents powder compaction in fire extinguishers. This dynamic movement maintains the reliability of the extinguisher while the holder provides protection when retracted, resolving the contradiction between protection and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic deployment and retraction of the access device creates regular movement of the fire extinguisher, preventing powder compaction through periodic disturbance. This periodic action maintains the extinguisher's reliability while the holder structure provides protection during retracted storage.
4Ease of operation
If safety equipment is stored in external cabinets closer to ground level, then accessibility is improved, but it takes time to access the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is merged with the deployable access device, so that when the access device is deployed for personnel access, the equipment holder is simultaneously deployed and accessible. This eliminates the time loss associated with separately accessing equipment storage, as both occur together in a single deployment action.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment holder for mounting on an access device of a vehicle, such as on a side rail of a retractable stair or ladder of the vehicle. The holder can be configured to hold one or more wheel chocks and/or one or more fire extinguishers. The holder can be mounted by a unique mounting bracket. Other equipment may be carried in the holder e.g. one or more radio communications handsets, first aid equipment, protective clothing (such as a hard hat, weatherproof jacket) or a tool kit, or combinations of two or more thereof. The holder can include a cradle or rack mounted to the access device by the mounting bracket.