Aerial Lift Camera System for Ground Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerial work platforms pose a risk to operators due to non-visibility during emergency situations, as personnel on the ground are unaware of incidents on elevated platforms, hindering quick response and rescue efforts.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising image capture and display devices on the ground control console, allowing ground personnel to view platform conditions, trigger alerts, and initiate rescue procedures through two-way audio communication and visual indications, independent of the aerial platform control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the platform is positioned at significant heights and offset from the lower part to enable work above buildings, then the working capability and versatility are improved, but the visibility of the platform and its occupants by ground personnel deteriorates, creating safety risks during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking capabilityVSAvoidvisibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A video transmission system acts as an intermediary between the platform and ground personnel. Cameras mounted on the platform capture images and transmit them to display devices on the ground, allowing ground personnel to visually monitor the platform and its occupants without direct line of sight, thus resolving the visibility problem while maintaining the elevated working position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy of the platform environment through cameras and transmits it to the ground. This optical copy allows ground personnel to observe conditions on the platform as if they were present, enabling them to detect emergencies and provide assistance without being physically close to the elevated work area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If ground personnel cannot see or suspect emergency situations on the platform, then the operational independence of the platform is maintained, but the response time to emergencies deteriorates, putting operators at risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidawareness of emergency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a feedback loop where cameras continuously monitor the platform and transmit visual information to ground personnel. This real-time feedback enables ground personnel to immediately detect emergencies such as operators falling or equipment failures and initiate rescue procedures without waiting for operator reporting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The video monitoring system is continuously active before emergencies occur, allowing ground personnel to maintain constant awareness of platform conditions. This preliminary monitoring enables them to detect early signs of trouble and prepare for immediate intervention when emergencies arise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3458406B1System for assisting in the evaluation and management of a danger on an aerial lift
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 HAULOTTE GROUP
  • EP3458406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3458406B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3458406B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This system (11, 13) for assisting in the evaluation and management of a danger on an aerial lift (1) comprising a bottom portion (3, 5) provided with ground connecting members, a platform (9), and a lifting structure (7) between the bottom portion (3, 5) and the platform (9), comprises a device (11) for capturing images of the platform (9). This system comprises a device (13) for displaying the images of the platform (9) taken by the image capture device (11), provided next to a control console (15) equipping the bottom portion (3, 5) of the aerial lift (1).