Adaptive Work Platform Sliders for Rotating Contoured Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work platforms with fixed shapes struggle to accommodate complex contoured workpieces with varying exterior surfaces, leading to gaps that can compromise safety and efficiency, especially when the workpiece rotates, as they require manual repositioning and may be hindered by sensor malfunctions or irregular surface details.
Innovation Solution
A work platform with sliders supported by a base and connected to a camshaft, where motors control the movement of the sliders relative to the base, ensuring the leading edges maintain a constant distance from the workpiece, adjusting to the sectional shape and rotational position, thus minimizing or eliminating gaps and ensuring continuous access for workers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-shape work platform is used, then the platform structure is simple and stable, but gaps form between the platform and the workpiece with complex contoured shapes, compromising safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The work platform is divided into multiple sections that can independently move relative to each other. Each section can be adjusted to follow the complex contoured shape of the workpiece, eliminating gaps while maintaining overall platform stability. The sections are connected through movable joints that allow adaptive positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive structure. The sections can move and adjust their positions in real-time to match the workpiece geometry, enabling the platform to adapt to various complex contoured shapes while maintaining worker safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual repositioning of platform sections is required, then the platform can adapt to workpiece rotation, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The platform sections are equipped with sensors that automatically detect the workpiece position and contour. The sections then autonomously adjust their positions to maintain optimal alignment with the workpiece during rotation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor the gap between the platform sections and the workpiece, providing real-time feedback to the control system. The system automatically adjusts the section positions based on this feedback, ensuring continuous adaptation to workpiece rotation without manual repositioning.
3Extent of automation
If sensors are used to detect gap size, then automated positioning is possible, but sensors become dirty or blocked by irregular surface details, preventing proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
A protective intermediary layer or mechanism is introduced between the sensors and the workpiece surface. This could be a protective shield that allows optical detection while preventing direct contact with dirt and irregularities, or a cleaning mechanism that maintains sensor visibility without interfering with the detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using sensors that directly contact or closely observe the workpiece surface, the system uses indirect sensing methods or creates a simplified model of the workpiece geometry. This allows automated positioning without the sensors being directly exposed to dirtying conditions from irregular surface details.
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
The solution provides a safe and efficient work environment by maintaining the leading edges of the platform in close proximity to the workpiece, reducing the need for manual repositioning and minimizing gaps, even with complex shapes, enhancing worker safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
A work platform with sliders supported by a base and connected to a camshaft, where motors control the movement of the sliders relative to the base
Data Source
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AI summary
A work platform configured to support one or more workers in proximity to a workpiece. The work platform includes sliders that are aligned along the length of the workpiece. The sliders are laterally movable towards and away from the workpiece. The sliders are individually movable with a position of each of the sliders relative to the workpiece being a function of the rotational position of the workpiece.