Front-Mounted Aerial Work Platform and Push Bumper for Street Sign Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing and maintaining street signs from pickup trucks are not quick, safe, or convenient, and existing solutions like snowplows and aerial work platforms are not versatile enough for year-round use or suitable for all climates, leading to delays in road clearance and sign maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A novel quick connect aerial work platform and push bumper combination designed for pickup trucks, featuring a cross bolting Frame Rail Connector Bracket, bi-metal plate, aluminum leg assembly, and retractable handrails, allowing for easy deployment and stowage, and providing a sturdy platform for sign maintenance and debris clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a snowplow is attached to the front of a pickup truck for clearing debris, then the ability to clear roads of debris is improved, but the device cannot be used in temperate climates during summer and causes excess wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The push bumper is designed to serve multiple functions: it can push straight leaning sign posts back into alignment, clear vehicles or debris off the road, and serve as a mounting base for the aerial work platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized equipment like snowplows in temperate climates, allowing year-round usability without excessive wear.
2Ease of operation
If a slide out platform is mounted in the back of a pickup truck for sign maintenance, then access to elevated positions is improved, but the mounting height becomes too high for easy access to most street signs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the platform in the back of the truck at high elevation, the invention inverts the approach by mounting the platform at the front of the truck at a lower height. The platform deck is positioned approximately 7 feet above the ground, which is the Federal MUTCD minimum height for rural signage, making it easily accessible for sign maintenance while still providing elevated access.
3Strength
If the aerial work platform is designed to be sturdy enough for push bumper functions, then the ability to push straight leaning sign posts and clear debris is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the push bumper function and the aerial work platform into a single integrated structure. The push bumper serves as the mounting base for the platform, and the platform's leg assembly provides both structural support for pushing operations and the elevated working surface. This consolidation reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining both functions.
4Ease of operation
If the platform deck is positioned at Federal MUTCD minimum height for rural signage, then easy access to street signs is improved, but the platform may not clear the side of the pickup truck box
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the clearance issue by changing the spatial arrangement from a rear-mounted horizontal platform to a front-mounted vertical deployment. The platform legs extend downward from the deck, allowing the deck to be positioned at the optimal 7-foot height for sign access while the legs clear the truck box side. This vertical dimensionality change solves both the access height and clearance requirements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a novel design for an aerial work platform that is mounted on the front of a pickup truck. This design combines the functionality of an enclosed aerial work platform with handrails and fall restraint systems while maintaining its functionality as a push bumper. In the transport position the deck folds down flat against the front of the vehicle minimizing front offset variances. When the intended to be used as an elevated work platform, integrated handrails can be deployed out from under the deck and raised and locked into position prior to use. Upon returning it to the flat transport position, the invention can be used to push straight smaller leaning street signs, push stranded vehicles out of the travel lane or be used to push foreign object debris such as animal carcasses, household debris (sofas, mattresses, large appliances etc.), tumbleweed or trees onto the shoulder of the travelled roadway. The invention may also be used as an instant work bench, capable of being outfitted with optional clips capable of receiving a variety of tools.