Rotatable Falling Post Locking Mechanism for Mine Safety Railings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting safety railings in vehicles, such as those used in mines, are complex to operate and typically require multiple operators, making them vulnerable to damage during movement.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable falling post arrangement with a stand, attachment elements, and a lever mechanism that allows the post to pivot between standing and recumbent positions, featuring projections and grooves for locking and unlocking, enabling simple and single-operator operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the post in standing position, then the post can be reliably locked, but the operation becomes complicated and requires multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The projection automatically engages with the groove when the post is in the recumbent position, and automatically disengages when the post is tilted to the standing position. The system uses its own movement to trigger the locking and unlocking actions without requiring external intervention or complex multi-step procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection acts as an intermediary element between the post and the groove. It mediates the locking function by automatically engaging with the groove to secure the post in the recumbent position and disengaging to allow the post to stand, simplifying the operation to a single action.
2Ease of operation
If the post is easily tiltable by one operator, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking mechanism may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single-operator tilting action automatically triggers the locking mechanism through the projection-groove interaction. When the operator tilts the post, the projection automatically engages with the groove to provide reliable locking, and when tilted back, it automatically unlocks. The system performs both the tilting and locking functions through a single operational action.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting operation and locking operation are merged into a single action. The same movement that positions the post (tilting) also triggers the locking mechanism (projection engaging with groove), eliminating the need for separate locking steps and enabling single-operator operation while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the guidance surface lifts the projection to move it in the groove, then the post can be smoothly transitioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance surface is segmented into different sections with different functions: one section lifts the projection to disengage it from the groove, while another section guides the projection to move smoothly into the groove. This segmentation allows smooth transitions without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance surface acts as an intermediary element that mediates the transition between locked and unlocked states. It uses the existing structural components (stand and post) to create the lifting and guiding actions, avoiding the need for additional complex mechanisms while enabling smooth transitions.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
An arrangement for attaching a falling post (1) on a base structure (B), the post (1) being rotatable movable between a standing and a recumbent position. The arrangement comprises a stand (2), the post (1) attached pivotally to the stand (2) by an pin (4). The stand (2) comprises at least one groove (5) arranged laterally in respect of the post (1), and the post (1) comprises at least one projection (6) extending in a lateral direction from the post. Said at least one groove (5) is arranged in respect of said at least one projection (6) such that when the stand is in the standing position, the at least one projection (6) lies in the at least one groove (5), and thereby locks the post (1) in said standing position. The at least one projection (6) is attached to the post (1) such that it has an ability to move in respect of the stand (2) in a longitudinal direction of the post (1).