Elevating Workshop Pit Platform for Safe Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing the underside of machinery in workshops, such as hoisting or using workshop pits, pose safety risks and inefficiencies due to limited access, potential for injury, and the need for frequent tool retrieval, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An elevating platform within a workshop pit featuring a deck that can move vertically using a hydraulic ram and cable system, allowing workers to position themselves comfortably under machinery and enabling safe and efficient access to all parts of the machine without the need for frequent tool retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workers use a workshop pit to access the underside of machinery, then they can position themselves underneath the machine, but they are unable to adequately position themselves at a level that permits easy and comfortable access to the part being worked upon
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made dynamically adjustable through vertical movement capability. The lifting mechanism allows the platform to move between multiple height positions, enabling workers to dynamically adjust their working level to achieve both comfortable access and safety, rather than being fixed at a single problematic position in the pit
2Ease of operation
If workers use a workshop pit for positioning, then they can access the underside of machinery, but there is often a need for workers to climb out of the pit for the purpose of retrieving tools or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The platform extends into the vertical dimension, creating a three-dimensional working space above the pit floor. This allows tools and equipment to be stored on or near the platform at ergonomic heights, eliminating the need for workers to climb out of the pit vertically to retrieve tools, thus saving time and maintaining safety
3Ease of operation
If machinery is hoisted to a level above a worker to access the underside, then the worker can access the underside of the machine, but there is always a risk that the machine or part thereof may fall and injure the worker
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated platform serves as an intermediary structure between the worker and the machinery. Instead of positioning the worker directly underneath hoisted machinery, the platform provides a safe intermediate working level that allows access to the underside while maintaining a safety buffer and controlled environment
4Productivity
If machinery is hoisted for access to the underside, then the worker can access the underside of the machine, but it is no longer possible to perform work upon upper regions of the machine without first lowering the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's vertical movement capability allows workers to dynamically adjust their working height independently of the machinery position. Workers can move the platform to access upper regions of the machine while the machine remains hoisted, eliminating the need to lower and raise the machine for different working zones, thus maintaining continuous productivity
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 elevating platform provides safe and efficient access to machinery, reducing the risk of injury and increasing productivity by allowing workers to maintain access to upper regions without lowering the machinery, while also eliminating the need for barricading the pit when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting means includes a ram of variable length, the ram having a first end fixed relative to the deck or the pit and a second end operatively engaged with the cables such that varying the length of the ram acts to vary the length of the deck supporting portions
Data Source
AI summary
A pit platform (10) within a pit (11) located in a floor, having a deck (12) that can be raised and lowered by a lifting means (14) between a raised position in which the deck is substantially level with the floor and a second position in which the deck is beneath the level of the floor. The deck is supported by a plurality of cables (18) controlled by the lifting means to effect substantially vertical movement of the deck within the pit. A method of moving the deck between the raised and second positions is also described. The pit platform has particular application to a workshop, enabling workers standing on the platform to position themselves at a comfortable height below a vehicle that is being worked upon. In the raised position the platform provides a safety cover for the pit.