Adjustable Protective Device for Opening Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for openings, such as elevator shafts and door or bay window locations, are often heavy, difficult to maneuver, and provide insufficient protection, with height adjustment mechanisms typically located at the upper ends requiring the use of ladders for access.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, easy-to-handle protection device with height adjustment means positioned between 1.20 m and 1.90 m from the ground, featuring a mesh or other protective elements, a removable plinth for ground clearance, and handles for easy operation, allowing for safe and efficient installation without the need for ladders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective devices are made heavy and robust, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is divided into a fixed frame and a mobile element that can be independently positioned and adjusted. The frame remains stationary providing structural stability, while the mobile element can be moved to different heights and positions to provide protection where needed, reducing the overall weight that must be maneuvered.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a mobile element with adjustable height and position that can be dynamically reconfigured. The mobile element slides along vertical guides and can be locked at different positions, allowing the protection system to adapt to various opening sizes and protection requirements without moving the entire heavy frame.
2Reliability
If height adjustment means are arranged at the upper ends, then protection coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is repositioned from the traditional upper end location to the ground level. This dimensional repositioning allows operators to adjust the mobile element's height from below, eliminating the need to reach high positions and making the device accessible without ladders or elevated platforms.
3Reliability
If protective devices are made fully closed, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device separates the fixed frame from the mobile protective element. The frame provides structural support and remains stationary, while the mobile element with mesh or panel protection can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing operators to handle only the lighter mobile portion rather than the entire structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (1) has a chassis (2) with hallow posts (4a, 4b) and partially closed by a grillage (7) arranged between the posts. A movable element (3) is slidingly mounted above the chassis, and has posts (15a, 15b) sliding with the posts (4a, 4b). The element is closed by another grillage (18) arranged between the posts (15a, 15b). An adjusting unit is formed of a threaded rod (25) and a wing nut (26), and adjusts positioning of the element above the chassis so as to slide the element above the chassis during installation of the device until that the chassis and the element close an opening.