Folding Steps Access Platform with Hydraulic Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial and mobile equipment accidents frequently occur due to slips and falls from steps, ladders, and stairways, highlighting the need for safer access systems to elevated areas.
Innovation Solution
An access platform system with integrated folding steps and a vertical displacement mechanism, featuring a two-stage mechanical advantage for the hydraulic lift cylinders, obstruction detection, user safety enhancements, and remote activation capabilities, allowing safe and efficient ingress and egress from large industrial and mobile equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional steps, ladders, and stairways are used for accessing elevated areas, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but accidents frequently occur due to slips and falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the platform movable rather than fixed. The platform can be raised to the equipment elevation and lowered to ground level, transforming the static access structure into a dynamic system that adapts its position to eliminate slip and fall hazards while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform serves as an intermediary between the ground and the elevated equipment. It mediates the transition by providing a stable, controlled access point that can be positioned precisely, reducing the direct exposure to hazardous fixed steps and ladders.
2Reliability
If a movable platform with hydraulic lift is used to eliminate slip and fall hazards, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the main platform, the hydraulic lift mechanism, the folding steps assembly, and the control system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the system's complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding steps assembly is nested within the platform structure, allowing the steps to be stored compactly when not in use and deployed when needed. This nesting principle reduces the overall space requirement and simplifies the structural design while maintaining safety functionality.
3Ease of operation
If folding steps are integrated into the platform, then access to equipment is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding steps are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. They can be folded upward to a compact configuration when the platform is not in use or when equipment access is not needed, and deployed when personnel need to access the equipment. This dynamic capability facilitates ease of operation while managing complexity through controlled deployment.
4Reliability
If obstruction detection and remote activation features are added, then user safety and security are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction detection system implements feedback by sensing the presence of obstacles in the platform's path and automatically preventing operation or alerting the operator. This feedback mechanism enhances user safety by eliminating the need for manual obstruction checks, reducing control system complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote activation capability allows the platform to be controlled and operated remotely, enabling authorized personnel to activate the system from a safe distance. This self-service feature enhances security and safety by reducing the need for personnel to be in close proximity to moving parts, while the control system manages complexity through centralized remote operation.
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 system significantly reduces the risk of accidents by providing a safe and efficient means of accessing elevated areas, with features like obstruction detection and remote activation ensuring only authorized personnel can use the platform, enhancing both safety and security.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting or lowering mechanism (collectively referenced herein as 'vertical displacement mechanism'; this term is meant to be construed as vertical, sloped or inclined, but for brevity herein, the term 'vertical' is used) which in one embodiment has a rising and lowering platform assembly
Implementation Method 2
The access platform system has integrated folding steps supported by a mainframe that is attached or juxtaposed to the equipment to further facilitate the ingress and egress of personnel into and out from the equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An access platform system for enabling access to and from ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment. The system has a main frame that is attached to or juxtaposed with one or more of the ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment; a vertical platform displacement assembly attached to the main frame; and a folding steps assembly. The vertical displacement mechanism has a multi-stage apparatus for influencing the stroke of lift cylinders. In one embodiment, the folding steps assembly has folding and unfolding steps.