Handrail-Integrated Storage for Battery Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery energizing switches in electric machines used in construction and mining environments are not properly stored during transportation, leading to potential damage and customer dissatisfaction due to improper storage methods.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly comprising a container, a lid, and a lock out tag out (LOTO) device is integrated between the arms of a handrail, allowing the switches to be decoupled from batteries, stored safely, and easily interchangeable to prevent energization during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery energizing switches are decoupled from batteries during transportation, then safety is improved by preventing accidental activation, but storage and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container for battery energizing switches with the handrail structure of the electric machine. The container is integrated into the handrail assembly, merging two separate functions (safety switching and structural support) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate storage solutions and reduces handling complexity while maintaining safety through proper decoupling of switches from batteries during transportation.
2Reliability
If switches are stored in a dedicated container, then integrity and functioning are protected, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the electric machine, enables operator access to the power compartment, and incorporates a storage container for battery energizing switches. By making the handrail assembly multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated storage structures, thereby protecting switch integrity without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If switches are easily accessible for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental activation during storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery energizing switches from the batteries during transportation by providing a dedicated storage container within the handrail assembly. This physical separation ensures that switches remain easily accessible to operators when needed, while simultaneously preventing accidental activation by keeping them isolated from battery connections during storage and transportation phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly for switches couplable to batteries of an electric machine to energize the batteries. The storage assembly includes a container defining a cavity to store the switches, a lid movable between a closed state and an open state with respect to the container to respectively close and open the cavity, and a lock out tag out (LOTO) device. The container is configured to be grasped between a pair of arms of a handrail that swings with respect to a walkway platform of a power compartment of the electric machine. The LOTO device is interchangeable with the switches to selectively be received in the cavity in place of the switches when the switches are coupled to the batteries, and be coupled to the batteries in place of the switches to lock out and keep the batteries from energizing when the switches are received in the cavity.