Conveyor Operator Platform With Electric Lift Rod Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operator platform units for telescopic conveyors require hydraulic drives, which complicate maintenance and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A movable operator platform unit for telescopic conveyors that is electrically and physically connected to the conveyor, featuring a drive system assembly with wheels for mobility and a drive rod mechanism for vertical platform adjustment, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic drives are used in operator platform units, then the platform can achieve vertical movement and positioning, but the system complexity increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic drive system with an electric motor and drive rod mechanism. The motor (220) connects through a transmission (224) to drive rods (228, 232) that directly actuate the platform assembly (128), eliminating hydraulic components while achieving the same vertical positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic system from the operator platform unit, separating the essential function (vertical movement) from the problematic complexity and safety risks associated with hydraulic components.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic drives are used in operator platform units, then vertical movement is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor and drive rod system replaces hydraulic components that require specialized maintenance. Electric motors and mechanical linkages are simpler to service, with standard electrical components and mechanical fasteners that can be maintained by general technicians rather than hydraulic specialists.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic systems are installed in operator platform units, then platform positioning is enabled, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic systems that pose safety risks from high-pressure fluid injection and system failures. The electric motor with mechanical drive rods provides inherently safer operation with no high-pressure fluids, reducing hazards to operators while maintaining precise platform positioning capability.
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
Simplifies maintenance, enhances safety, and improves ergonomics and productivity by allowing operators to load/unload cargo containers from various heights without hydraulic complications.
Implementation Method 1
a drive system assembly (124) coupled to the mounting assembly (120). The drive system assembly (124) includes a drive assembly (220-232) and a drive rod (228, 232) configured to be driven by the drive assembly (220-232)
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary operator platform units may include a mounting assembly configured to couple to a conveyor and a drive system assembly coupled to the mounting assembly. The drive system assembly may include a drive assembly and a drive rod configured to be driven by the drive assembly. A platform assembly is movably coupled to the drive system assembly. The platform assembly includes a platform configured to support an operator, and a controller in communication with the drive assembly. The controller is configured to actuate the drive assembly and move the platform relative to the drive system assembly and the conveyor.