Articulable Chimney Platform Segmentation Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces challenges in safely and efficiently reaching elevated structures like chimneys to perform maintenance or repairs, due to limited workspace and the difficulty in hoisting personnel and equipment several stories high.
Innovation Solution
An articulable platform is designed to attach to a mechanical arm, allowing for safe hoisting and lowering of personnel and equipment, with adjustable side platforms that can pivot and extend to accommodate various structures, changing from an 'H' shape to a 'U' shape to fit around chimneys or other vertical structures, supported by a lift truck and cables for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed platform is used for chimney construction, then the structure is stable, but it cannot adapt to different chimney shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple independent side platforms (first, second, third, fourth side platforms) that can move relative to each other. Each side platform can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the platform to adapt to various chimney shapes and sizes while maintaining overall structural stability through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The side platforms are designed with dynamic movement capabilities through telescopic mechanisms and articulation joints. The platforms can extend, retract, and pivot to change configuration, enabling adaptation to different chimney geometries while the mechanical arm provides dynamic positioning control to maintain stability during adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If personnel and equipment are hoisted several stories high, then access to elevated structures is achieved, but safety and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical arm system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the platform, enables positioning at elevated locations, and ensures stability through controlled movement. The platform itself serves as both the access mechanism and the stable working surface, combining these functions to achieve safe access to elevated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical arm acts as an intermediary between the ground-based support system and the elevated platform. It transfers and controls the forces involved in hoisting and positioning, providing a stable connection that ensures safety while enabling access to heights that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the platform structure is made rigid for stability, then it cannot be maneuvered to accommodate different work sites
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates dynamic elements including telescopic side platforms with articulation joints that allow movement and reconfiguration. These dynamic components enable the platform to maneuver to different work sites and adapt to various chimney configurations, while the mechanical arm provides controlled movement to maintain stability during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is segmented into multiple independent side platforms connected by articulation joints. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently for maneuverability while the overall structure maintains stability through the coordinated movement of segments and the supporting mechanical arm system.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable platform assembly for supporting workers and supplies about an elevated work site, the platform assembly being movably supported on an articulable support, the platform comprising a stationary rear bridging panel arrangement having an elongated side platform member comprising a floor and railing assembly at each end thereof, wherein each elongated side platform member floor and railing assembly is independently movable on support members forwardly, rearwardly, transversely and angularly with respect to the bridging panel arrangement, to change the platform assembly back and forth between a generally “H” shape to a generally “U” shape, or any skewed combination thereof, as required.