L-Shaped Non-Conductive Bracket for Aerial Bucket Tool Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial buckets and man baskets have limited stowage space, leading to cluttered and cramped conditions that cause injuries from dropped tools and tripping over equipment during maintenance and repair work.
Innovation Solution
A durable, non-conductive plastic 'L' shaped tool and rigging support bracket with multiple support holes and slots for suspending tools and rigging, capable of holding at least 100 pounds, designed to be hung from bucket hooks, accommodating various tools and equipment like sockets, impact guns, and rigging items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools and rigging are stored inside aerial buckets and man baskets, then workers have access to necessary equipment, but the limited stowage space causes cluttered and cramped conditions leading to injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket extends vertically downward from the bucket edge, utilizing the vertical dimension to create hanging storage space. This allows tools to be suspended below the bucket level rather than stacked inside, effectively adding a new spatial dimension for tool organization without occupying the worker's knee space or creating clutter inside the bucket.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket acts as an intermediary structure between the bucket and the tools. It provides a dedicated hanging interface that separates tool storage from the worker's workspace, preventing tools from directly impacting the worker's knees or creating tripping hazards while maintaining easy accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are stored in limited space, then workers have all necessary equipment available, but the clutter increases the risk of dropped tools impacting workers
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the support bracket vertically downward from the bucket edge, the system creates a suspended storage zone below the bucket level. This vertical extension provides ample space for multiple tools to hang at different heights and positions, accommodating various tool sizes and types without creating horizontal clutter that could fall onto the worker's ankles.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket incorporates multiple individual support holes distributed along its length, allowing tools to be segmented and hung at different locations. This segmentation enables each tool to have its own designated hanging position, preventing tools from stacking or cluttering together while maintaining organized accessibility.
3Volume of stationary object
If tools are hung from bucket edges, then stowage space is maximized, but the support structure must withstand significant tool weights
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is constructed from high-density polyethylene, a composite polymer material that provides an optimal balance of strength, durability, and weight resistance. This material can support the significant loads of multiple heavy tools (sockets, impact guns, sawmills, etc.) while maintaining a non-conductive, corrosion-resistant structure suitable for aerial work environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket features a substantial thickness of 3/8" to 5/8" at critical load-bearing areas, providing localized reinforcement where tool weights are suspended. This local quality enhancement ensures the bracket can withstand significant tool weights while keeping other areas of the bracket more compact and manageable.
4Strength
If the support bracket is made from thick durable material, then it can hold heavy tools, but the bracket becomes more difficult to install and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket thickness is optimized within a specific range of 3/8" to 5/8" at critical areas, providing sufficient strength for heavy tool loads while avoiding excessive thickness that would make the bracket difficult to install or maneuver. This parameter optimization balances structural requirements with operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool and rigging support bracket comprised of a durable, non-conductive plastic having an “L” shaped cross-section of up to about ½″ and other dimensions of about 2.5″ wide and 20″ long. Multiple support holes perforate through an upper surface of the “L” shaped tool and rigging support bracket. The tool and rigging support bracket can accommodate at least 100 pounds of tools and riggings.