Dielectric Composite Aerial Platform Boom Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial work platform assemblies do not adequately protect workers from electrical discharge due to the use of conductive materials at the boom tip, which can lead to electrocution when operating near energized lines, despite dielectric booms providing secondary protection.
Innovation Solution
The assembly is constructed using lightweight, structurally rigid, and durable composite materials, such as fabric-reinforced resin, replacing metal parts to reduce electrical conductivity and incorporating a platform shaft retaining assembly, mounting bracket, and platform made from dielectric composite materials with a three-dimensional weave preform and resin, ensuring enhanced electrical safety and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal structural materials are used at the boom tip to provide sufficient structural strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the electrical conductivity increases causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (fiberglass reinforced plastic) to replace metal structural components at the boom tip. This composite material provides both the required structural strength and electrical non-conductivity, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and electrical safety. The composite boom tip maintains mechanical load-bearing capacity while being electrically isolated from the conductive boom sections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If composite materials are used to replace metal parts, then electrical safety is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies fiberglass reinforced plastic as the composite material, which combines the high strength-to-weight ratio of fiberglass with the structural integrity provided by the plastic matrix. This composite formulation achieves both electrical non-conductivity and sufficient structural strength to support platform loads and operational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from metallic to composite materials with different electrical and mechanical properties. The composite material is selected to match or exceed the structural performance of metal while providing the required electrical insulation properties, thus changing the physical parameters to simultaneously satisfy both strength and safety requirements.
3Ease of operation
If control input mechanism is located outside the platform for direct contact operation, then ease of operation is improved, but electrical safety is compromised due to exposure to energized lines
Solution Approach 1:
The composite boom tip acts as an intermediary barrier between the control input mechanism and the electrical environment. The non-conductive composite material allows the control mechanism to be positioned in a location that is accessible for operation while being electrically isolated from energized lines, thus mediating between operational accessibility and electrical safety.
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
The solution provides improved electrical safety by minimizing electrical conductivity, reducing weight, and maintaining structural integrity while lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs, thus offering greater protection against electrical injury and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The upper boom is constructed of an electrically non-conductive, or dielectric, material and provides secondary protection by preventing a path to ground through the booms and vehicular base
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial work platform assembly is provided, comprising a platform shaft retaining assembly; a mounting bracket connected to the platform shaft retaining assembly; and a platform connected to the mounting bracket; wherein the platform shaft retaining assembly, mounting bracket, and platform are constructed from the same or differing composite materials comprising a fabric-reinforced resin. Optionally, the fabric-reinforced resin includes a preform fabric having a conformable three-dimensional weave, and the resin is a dielectric resin selected from either epoxy, epoxy vinyl ester, vinyl ester, polyester, or phenolic.