Overhead Crane Work Platform for Safe Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance on overhead cranes often requires the use of scaffolding and lifting equipment, which is time-consuming and dangerous, especially in areas with limited access such as containment buildings for atomic reactor power generating plants.
Innovation Solution
A work platform that can be hoisted and supported on the overhead crane's support structure, allowing maintenance personnel to perform tasks while elevated, with the platform capable of being lifted and connected to the crane's structure independently of the hoist apparatus, enabling access in areas where traditional scaffolding and lifting equipment cannot reach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scaffolding and lifting equipment are used for maintenance on overhead cranes, then maintenance can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a work platform as an intermediary device that is hoisted by the overhead crane itself to provide a safe and efficient workspace for maintenance personnel. This eliminates the need for external scaffolding and lifting equipment, thereby improving safety while reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead crane performs maintenance on itself by hoisting a work platform to the required position. The crane's own hoisting mechanism is used to elevate maintenance personnel and equipment, eliminating the need for separate scaffolding systems and reducing overall maintenance time while improving safety.
2Ease of operation
If scaffolding is erected for maintenance access, then workers can reach the crane, but the setup is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The work platform serves as a mobile intermediary that is transported to the work area by the overhead crane itself. This eliminates the need for time-consuming scaffolding erection while providing easy access to the crane for maintenance personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The work platform is designed to be dynamically positioned by the crane's hoisting mechanism, allowing it to be quickly moved to different locations on the crane. This dynamic positioning system replaces static scaffolding structures, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining ease of access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lifting equipment is used in containment buildings, then maintenance can be performed, but access is limited and operations become dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The work platform acts as a controlled intermediary system that is suspended by the overhead crane within the containment building. This allows maintenance personnel to access confined areas safely without requiring external lifting equipment, improving both adaptability to limited spaces and operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead crane's hoisting mechanism serves multiple functions: it lifts work platforms for maintenance, transports materials, and positions equipment within the containment building. This multi-functional capability improves adaptability to various maintenance scenarios while maintaining high operational safety standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A work platform for use in performing maintenance while supported on an overhead crane. The work platform is particularly useful for performing maintenance on overhead cranes located in areas where normal lifting equipment and/or scaffolding cannot easily access the overhead crane. However, the work platform is also useful for performing maintenance on equipment and/or structures in the vicinity of overhead cranes, and on overhead cranes located in areas without accessibility problems. The work platform is hoisted for placement on support structure of the overhead crane by hoist apparatus of the overhead crane. When positioned, the work platform may be fully supported on the support structure of the overhead crane.