Aerial Work Platform Obstacle Sensing for Crush Hazard Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial and scissor lifts face safety hazards due to the risk of operators being crushed between the work platform and overhead or below-ground structures, with existing technologies failing to effectively detect and prevent such obstacles, particularly in extended positions.
Innovation Solution
The platform assembly incorporates strategically positioned sensor units that provide overlapping 'fans' of coverage to detect potential obstacles, including a primary sensor unit monitoring the area above and around the platform and a secondary sensor unit monitoring below the platform extension, using radar or LiDAR technology, integrated with a control system to manage operations and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor units are added to detect obstacles, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple discrete sensor units positioned at different locations on the platform. Each sensor unit independently monitors specific zones (overhead, side, below-ground), allowing the system to cover comprehensive areas while maintaining modular complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units are positioned to detect obstacles before the platform can reach dangerous positions. The system performs preliminary detection and issues warnings or prevents operation before actual contact with overhead or below-ground structures can occur, proactively eliminating hazards.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor units with overlapping coverage are installed, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor units with overlapping detection fields are combined to create comprehensive coverage zones. The overlapping fans of coverage from different sensors work together to eliminate blind spots and provide redundant detection, improving precision while sharing the complexity burden across multiple simpler sensor units rather than one complex sensor.
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 sensor-based platform assembly significantly enhances operator safety by detecting and preventing collisions with overhead and below-ground structures, ensuring the platform can operate safely in extended positions and reducing the risk of serious injury or death.
Implementation Method 1
using radar or LiDAR technology
Implementation Method 2
using radar or LiDAR technology
Data Source
AI summary
A platform assembly includes a work platform including a platform floor and a safety rail extending from the platform floor to a rail height, and a primary sensor unit secured to the work platform and positioned adjacent one of the platform floor and the safety rail. The primary sensor unit is configured to monitor an area from the platform floor or from the safety rail to a space above the rail height and forward and aft of the work platform. The platform assembly enhances protection for an operator from sustained involuntary operation resulting in an impact with an obstruction or structure.