Lifting Platform Loading System with Obstacle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personnel lifts face challenges in ensuring safety during the transport of objects, as they may collide with obstacles due to inadequate path visibility or unforeseen obstructions, leading to potential damage or accidents.
Innovation Solution
A loading system for freight elevators that includes a platform with detection means to identify lateral mechanical stresses, triggering a stop mechanism when obstacles are detected, ensuring safety by preventing collisions and allowing for easy conversion between seat and platform configurations without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control is used to command the basket to complete the entire journey automatically, then the operator's hands are freed for other tasks, but the basket may hit obstacles that the operator cannot see
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means (sensors, cameras, or other detection devices) are mounted on the basket to enable it to autonomously detect obstacles in its path. The basket essentially monitors its own environment and can trigger automatic stopping without continuous operator attention, allowing the operator to use remote control for other tasks while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means provide real-time feedback about obstacles to the control system. When an obstacle is detected, the system receives feedback and automatically stops the basket, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances safety during automated operation
2Reliability
If the platform is permanently installed on the cradle, then safety during object transport is ensured, but the ability to quickly convert between seat and platform configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with dynamic fixing means that can be quickly engaged and disengaged from the cradle. This allows the platform to transition between a fixed state (when transporting objects for enhanced safety) and a removable state (when seat configuration is needed), providing both safety during transport and operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing means are designed to be universal, allowing the same mechanism to securely attach both the platform and the seat to the cradle. This multi-functional attachment system ensures that either configuration can be quickly installed and removed without requiring different fixing mechanisms, maintaining both safety and adaptability
3Reliability
If detection means are added to detect obstacles, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted as a separate, modular component that can be independently added to or removed from the basket. This allows the core safety function to be enhanced without fundamentally redesigning the entire lift system, and the detection means can be selectively installed based on specific operational needs
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 optimizes safety by preventing collisions with obstacles and allowing for quick and tool-free conversion between seat and platform configurations, enhancing operational reliability and safety during object transport.
Implementation Method 1
detection means configured to detect relative mechanical stresses between the platform and the fixing means
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a loading system (20) for fitting to a lifting platform comprising a mobile pod (6). The loading system (20) comprises a platform(40) wherein a load is to be placed, attaching means designed to be attached to the pod (6), and detection means designed to detect the mechanical stress applied to the platform (40).