Carriage Lift Rails With Retractable Maintenance Step Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriage lifting/lowering devices require aerial work vehicles for maintenance, which reduces workability and increases the size of the transport carriage system due to the need for additional space for lift operations.
Innovation Solution
A carriage lifting/lowering device with a maintenance step and support frames that allow operators to perform maintenance without aerial work vehicles, featuring a configuration where the maintenance step is retractable and rotatable, and includes a control unit to ensure safety by restricting drive unit operation when the stopper is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aerial work vehicle is used for maintenance, then operator can reach high elevation, but workability deteriorates due to moving lift to each part and increased system size
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance function is segmented from the aerial work vehicle and integrated directly into the carriage lifting/lowering device. The maintenance step is divided into multiple positions (first, second, third, fourth) that can be independently positioned, allowing operators to access different maintenance locations without moving external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance step is merged with the carriage lifting/lowering device by integrating it into the support frames. This combination eliminates the need for separate aerial work vehicles and their associated entry spaces, reducing overall system size while improving workability.
2Ease of operation
If maintenance step is fixed in advanced position, then operator can easily access maintenance areas, but lifting/lowering operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance step is designed as a dynamic structure that can change position between retracted and advanced states. It is movably supported by the support frames, allowing it to adapt to different operational requirements - advanced for maintenance access, retracted for normal lifting/lowering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance step operates periodically, being advanced when maintenance is required and retracted when normal operations resume. This periodic positioning allows the system to alternate between maintenance mode and operational mode without permanent structural compromise.
3Ease of operation
If maintenance step is made movable between retracted and advanced states, then workability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance step is designed to be movable and self-positionable between retracted and advanced states without requiring complex external mechanisms. The structure utilizes the existing support frames and lifting/lowering mechanism to achieve movement, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional complexity.
4Ease of repair
If space is secured for aerial work vehicle lift entry, then maintenance can be performed, but overall system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance function is merged with the carriage lifting/lowering device itself, eliminating the need for separate aerial work vehicles and their entry spaces. The maintenance step is integrated into the device structure, allowing maintenance to be performed within the existing system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage lifting/lowering device is given multi-functionality by incorporating maintenance capabilities directly into its structure. The support frames serve dual purposes: supporting the lifting/lowering operation and supporting the maintenance step, eliminating the need for dedicated maintenance equipment and space.
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage lifting/lowering device includes: a first lifting/lowering rail; a second lifting/lowering rail; a first lifting/lowering drive unit configured to lift and lower the first lifting/lowering rail; a second lifting/lowering drive unit configured to lift and lower the second lifting/lowering rail; a first body unit configured to movably support the first lifting/lowering rail along a first face in an lifting/lowering direction; a second body unit configured to movably support the second lifting/lowering rail in the lifting/lowering direction, along a second face facing the first face; and a pair of support frames disposed across the first body unit and the second body unit, with a maintenance step being disposed across the pair of support frames. The pair of support frames are disposed in an extending direction of the first lifting/lowering rail and the second lifting/lowering rail, and sandwich a lifting/lowering space.