Adjustable Hopper Obstruction Platform with Overlapping Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hopper obstruction devices are not reusable across different site sizes, lack satisfactory user security, and often leave openings due to removable components.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rectangular platform having adjustable length and width, featuring overlapping plates for a continuous flat upper surface, secured to prevent user access and adaptable to various hopper dimensions through sliding and helical connections, with rolling means for easy adjustment and transport, and retractable side flaps for vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a custom-made rectangular platform is manufactured for each hopper, then the platform fits the specific hopper dimensions, but the device cannot be reused and must be discarded after use
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a modular frame structure with adjustable sides that can be segmented and reconfigured. The frame consists of multiple components that can be assembled in different configurations to match various hopper dimensions, enabling the same device to be reused across different sites with different hopper sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the frame dimensions. The sides of the frame can be extended or repositioned to adapt to different hopper sizes, transforming a static custom-made platform into a dynamic adaptable structure that maintains precise fit while being reusable.
2Area of stationary object
If additional side plates are added to extend width, then the platform width is increased, but the side plates can be freely raised by pivoting leaving dangerous openings
Solution Approach 1:
The side plates are pre-secured to the frame structure through integral connections that prevent pivoting or raising. This preliminary securing action ensures that the plates remain firmly in place during use, eliminating the safety hazard of openings while maintaining the extended width capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side plates are merged with the frame structure through integral connections, creating a unified rigid assembly. This combining of the plates with the main structure ensures they cannot be freely raised or detached, maintaining both the extended width and user safety simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform length and width are made adjustable, then the device can be reused on several construction sites, but the upper surface may not provide satisfactory user safety
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface plates are pre-secured to the frame in a fixed manner that maintains continuous coverage regardless of the platform's adjusted dimensions. This preliminary securing ensures that even when the platform is reconfigured for different hopper sizes, the upper surface consistently provides safe, gap-free coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper surface design is made universal through integral plates that maintain continuous coverage across all platform configurations. The same plate structure serves multiple functions: providing a safe continuous surface while accommodating various platform sizes achieved through frame adjustment, ensuring safety is maintained across all adaptability scenarios.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device (1) obstructing an opening in a building slab, comprising a substantially rectangular platform (2) having four sides (2a-2d) and a substantially flat and continuous upper surface (3), extending lengthwise (L1) along a longitudinal direction (II) and widthwise (L2) along a transverse direction (II-II). The length (L1) and width (L2) of the platform (2) are adjustable. A plurality of plates (4a, 4b, 5a-5d, 6a-6d), fixed to the platform (2), are arranged overlapping each other so as to form between them said substantially flat and continuous upper surface (3) regardless of the length (L1) and width (L2) of the platform (2).