Cargo Floor Brace with Suction Support for Inclined Overhead Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers performing overhead tasks on inclined surfaces often slide down, leading to fatigue, muscle and joint strains, and inefficient work due to constant repositioning, which affects ergonomics and time management.
Innovation Solution
A brace tool with a rigid frame, cylindrical shaft, and adjustable suction cups that secures a platform to the surface, allowing users to support themselves without sliding, featuring a platform that can be adjusted and secured to prevent movement, enabling stable positioning and reduced repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person performs overhead work above an inclined surface without support, then the person can access the work area, but the person constantly slides down the inclined surface requiring repeated repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The brace tool serves as an intermediary device between the worker and the inclined surface. It includes a rigid frame with suction cups that attach to the inclined surface, creating a stable intermediate platform that prevents the worker from sliding down while performing overhead tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups automatically create and maintain the attachment to the inclined surface through vacuum pressure generated when the platform is pressed against the surface. The system self-regulates to maintain positioning without requiring continuous active control by the worker
2Productivity
If a person constantly repositions themselves on the inclined surface to prevent sliding, then they can continue working, but they experience fatigue and muscle and joint strains
Solution Approach 1:
The brace tool platform acts as a mediator that bears the worker's weight and prevents direct contact with the sliding motion on the inclined surface. This intermediary support eliminates the harmful mechanical stress and fatigue that would result from constant repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame with suction cups provides preemptive support before sliding occurs. By establishing a stable attachment point in advance, the system prevents the harmful effects of sliding and the subsequent need for repositioning that causes fatigue
3Stability of the object's composition
If the platform is firmly secured to the shaft, then the platform remains stable, but the platform cannot be adjusted to different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The support block provides a dynamic mounting system that transitions between two states: a loose attachment state that allows the platform to be rotated and positioned at different orientations, and a firmly attached state that secures the platform in the desired position. This dynamic capability enables both adjustability and stability
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 tool prevents sliding and reduces the need for constant repositioning, enhancing ergonomics and efficiency by maintaining a stable working position, thus reducing fatigue and time required for overhead work.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suction cup secured to the bottom of the frame
Implementation Method 2
removably securing a platform to a surface using suction cups attached to the platform
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A brace tool comprises a rigid frame, a platform mounted on the frame for adjustable positioning of the platform relative to the frame, and a plurality of suction cups. The plurality of suction cups can be removably attached to a flat surface that is adjacent to an inclined surface 12 above which work is to be performed. The platform can be adjustably positioned relative to the frame 24, and then secured in its adjusted position. The platform can then be used as a brace that can be engaged by the person on the inclined surface that is performing the overhead work and prevent the person from sliding down the inclined surface.