Articulable Chimney Platform with Telescopic Sidewalls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces challenges in safely and efficiently reaching elevated structures like chimneys, as existing solutions struggle to provide a stable and maneuverable workspace at heights, particularly on irregularly shaped roofs, due to limited movement and workspace constraints.
Innovation Solution
An articulable platform attached to a telescopingly arranged mechanical arm, which can adjust its shape from 'H' to 'U' and vice versa, allowing it to securely surround chimneys or other vertical structures, with independently movable sidewalls and a hinged floor system for maximum adaptability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed platform is used for chimney construction, then the platform structure is simple, but the platform cannot adapt to irregular roof shapes and limited workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple independent sections including a rear platform, front platform, and side platforms that can be individually positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each section to adapt to different roof contours and chimney positions while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates movable and adjustable components including telescopic side platforms, hinged floor sections, and repositionable rail systems that enable the structure to dynamically adapt to varying roof shapes and sizes during construction operations
2Ease of operation
If personnel and equipment are hoisted to elevated structures, then work can be performed at height, but safety and stability become concerns in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The platform integrates multiple safety features including guardrails, floor panels, and structural support elements into a unified design that provides both access and protection. The combination of these elements creates a stable working environment at elevated positions while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The platform design incorporates inherent safety features such as enclosed floor panels, guardrails, and stable support structures that are built into the platform before use, providing protection and stability in advance before personnel and equipment are hoisted to elevated positions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is made maneuverable and adjustable, then it can adapt to different work sites, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The side platforms are designed to telescope within the main platform structure, with nested rail systems that allow compact storage when not in use and easy extension when needed. This nesting arrangement provides adjustability without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed with universal components that can be positioned and configured for various chimney sizes and roof shapes. The same basic structure and adjustment mechanisms serve multiple functions including support, access, and adaptation to different geometries, reducing the need for specialized components for each scenario
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame. A right slidable sidewall is slidably disposed within the right sidewall frame, and a left slidable sidewall is slidably disposed within the left sidewall frame, to permit forward and rearward adjustability to side rail and floor portions thereof around an elevated structure for supporting personnel and equipment therefor. Those side rail and floor panel portions are also adjustable transversely to squeeze closed together or slightly further apart according to the width of any chimney or the like. Such sideways adjustment is accomplished by supportive engagement of the mid portion of the rear wall frame and floor panel of its adjacent wall and floor panels.