Foldable Cantilever Work Structure Automatic Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable cantilevered work structures pose safety risks to operators during folding and unfolding operations, as they need to maneuver under the load to unlock/lock articulations, and there is a risk of sling failure, requiring significant effort and exposing operators to hazardous conditions.
Innovation Solution
The structure is designed to automatically initiate folding when resting on the ground, allowing operators to remain off-load, with a locking mechanism that can be operated from a safe position, utilizing a releasable locking system with a handle and wedge mechanism to control the locking rod, enabling easy folding and unfolding without manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the structure is folded manually by an operator maneuvering under the load, then the folding operation can be performed, but the operator's safety is compromised and the risk of sling failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is designed to fold automatically under its own weight without requiring an operator to maneuver under the load. The heel offset geometry creates a mechanical advantage that enables the structure to initiate and complete the folding operation autonomously, eliminating the need for manual intervention beneath the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel is pre-positioned offset from the articulation axis in a specific location that prepares the structure for automatic folding. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures that when the structure is supported on the ground, the folding action is automatically initiated without requiring additional manual effort to position components.
2Ease of operation
If the operator maneuvers under the load to unlock/lock the articulation, then the locking means can be operated, but the operator is exposed to hazardous conditions and sling failure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The heel acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transfers the folding action from the ground support to the articulation. Instead of the operator directly manipulating the locking means under the load, the heel offset geometry mediates the folding process, enabling automatic engagement of the locking mechanism from a safe distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means is designed to engage and disengage automatically through the mechanical action of the heel offset geometry. The structure performs the locking operation on itself without requiring operator intervention beneath the load, thereby eliminating the hazardous working condition.
3Ease of operation
If the structure requires manual intervention to fold, then the operator can control the folding process, but significant effort is required and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structure folds and unfolds automatically under its own weight without requiring manual effort. The heel offset geometry creates a mechanical advantage that enables the structure to perform the folding operation autonomously, significantly reducing the time and effort required for setup and teardown activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel offset geometry creates a dynamic mechanical advantage that changes during the folding process. As the structure transitions from the open to folded position, the geometric relationship between the heel and articulation axis naturally guides the folding motion, making the process automatic and efficient without requiring continuous manual control.
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
This design enhances operator safety by allowing folding and unfolding operations to be performed without manual effort, reducing the risk of accidents and sling failures, as the structure can fold automatically under its own weight, ensuring safe and efficient setup and teardown.
Implementation Method 1
The heel 6 is offset by a distance d with respect to the plane P orthogonal to the plate 3 passing through the axis 4. The support on the ground causes traction on the crutches 11, 12 tending to spread them and thus to disengage the pin 23 from the notch of lock 28.
Implementation Method 2
the folding operation and/or the unfolding operation requires the intervention of an operator to unlock/lock the articulation between the crutches. In particular, for folding, the structure is supported on the ground by the lower end of the uprights, and an operator maneuvers one of the braces to initiate its folding, the end of the folding being able to take place without additional intervention under the effect of the weight of the structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The structure has a post (5) articulated at an end on a plate (3) around an articulation axle (4) between a folded position and an opening position, where the structure is made of corbel. A strut (7) connecting the plate and the post (5) includes tubular columns (11) articulated on each other. A rod (30) and a maneuver unit (34) block the strut in the folded position. A support lug (6) is integrated to the post at a free end of the post and projecting from the free end, where the lug is shifted with respect to a plane orthogonal to the plate passing via the axle, in the opening position.