Aerial Platform Occupancy Detection via Signal Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial platform systems lack the ability to accurately detect the number of workers on board, leading to potential unsafe operation when not all workers are connected to safety features, and previous methods fail to ensure proximity and capacity on aerial devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with transmitters on workers and receivers on the aerial platform using triangulation to determine worker occupancy, preventing device operation if the number of detected workers exceeds the number of connected safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety measures like lanyard interlocks are used, then worker safety is improved, but the system cannot detect the number of workers present on the aerial platform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transmitters as intermediary devices worn by workers that emit signals detectable by receivers on the aerial platform. These transmitters act as mediators between the workers and the safety system, enabling the platform to detect and count individual workers without directly observing them, thus resolving the information loss problem while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical safety monitoring systems with an electromagnetic signal-based detection system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical interlocks that cannot identify individual workers, the system uses wireless transmitters and receivers to electronically detect and count workers, substituting mechanical limitations with electronic capabilities
2Productivity
If aerial device operation is permitted based on simple interlock detection, then device productivity is improved, but unsafe operations may occur when not all workers are connected to safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the aerial device's operation is controlled based on real-time detection of worker presence and safety connection status. The system continuously monitors whether the number of connected interlocks matches the number of detected workers and provides feedback by enabling or disabling device operation accordingly, ensuring safety without reducing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification of worker safety connections before permitting aerial device operation. The system checks whether all detected workers are properly connected to safety features in advance, and only after this preliminary safety confirmation does it allow the device to operate, preventing unsafe operations while maintaining efficiency
3Measurement precision
If geolocation techniques are used to detect worker location, then worker proximity detection is improved, but the system cannot detect both proximity to fixed point and capacity on aerial device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that performs multiple functions: detecting worker proximity to the aerial platform, counting the number of workers present, and verifying safety connection status. The receiver system is designed to handle all these detection tasks through a single integrated mechanism, making the system adaptable to various safety monitoring needs without requiring separate systems
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
Ensures all workers on the aerial platform are securely connected to safety features, preventing unsafe operations and enhancing workplace safety by accurately detecting occupancy and preventing unauthorized device operation.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a first time from the first receiver, the first time indicative of a time at which the signal was received at the first receiver; receiving a second time from the second receiver, the second time indicative of a time at which the signal was received at the second receiver; and determining a position of the transmitter based on a time difference between the first time and the second time
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for platform occupancy detection on an aerial device are described. An aerial platform may be provided for the aerial device. A worker may perform operations in the aerial platform and connect to an interlock system thereof. The worker may have an associated transmitter configured to transmit a signal. A first receiver and a second receiver may be disposed on the aerial platform to receive the signal. Based on the time difference between receiving the signal at the first receiver and receiving the signal at the second receiver, the position of the transmitter may be triangulated. If the transmitter is determined to be within the aerial platform and the worker is not connected to the interlock system, preventive actions may be taken before operation of the aerial platform is permitted.