Ergonomic Loading Platform Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading platforms require cumbersome operation to lower and raise the supporting plate, necessitating bent postures that are not ergonomically optimal for employees.
Innovation Solution
The loading platform incorporates a rod with a tilting supporting point and a structured lead-through portion that allows the rod to move in a way that the operator can maintain an upright position, with stops limiting the rod's movement to facilitate easy and ergonomic operation of the supporting plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cord or tie-rod is used to lower and raise the supporting plate, then the supporting plate can be operated, but the operator must assume a bent posture making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is made dynamically movable within the opening, allowing it to tilt and rotate freely during operation. This dynamic capability enables the operator to insert the rod from the front, tilt it to engage with the supporting plate, and manipulate it ergonomically without fixed constraints, thereby improving operator posture while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimension linear pull (cord) or fixed-rod mechanism to a multi-dimensional operation where the rod can tilt, rotate, and move angularly within the opening. This dimensional freedom allows the operator to approach from the front and manipulate the rod at various angles, eliminating the need for bent postures while adding controlled complexity through geometric freedom
2Stability of the object's composition
If the opening diameter is only slightly larger than the rod diameter for a tight fit, then the rod can be wedged in, but the operator must tilt the rod significantly to insert it
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is designed to be dynamically adjustable within the opening, allowing it to tilt and rotate during insertion and operation. This dynamic freedom enables the operator to insert the rod from the front at a comfortable angle, then tilt it to engage with the supporting plate, rather than forcing a fixed-angle insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The opening diameter is made sufficiently large to allow free movement and tilting of the rod during insertion and operation, rather than being minimally sized for a tight fit. This excessive dimensional provision facilitates easy front-side insertion while the rod's dynamic movement ensures adequate engagement and control during use
3Reliability
If the rod is inserted through a narrow opening for a tight fit, then the rod can be wedged to hold the plate, but the operator cannot maintain an upright position during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to tilt and rotate within the opening during insertion and operation. This enables the operator to insert the rod from the front in an upright position, then tilt it to engage with the supporting plate, maintaining ergonomic posture while ensuring reliable engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the operator's upright position and the supporting plate engagement. By allowing the rod to tilt and rotate within the opening, it serves as a flexible mediator that connects the operator's ergonomic position with the mechanical requirement for plate engagement, ensuring both reliability and ease of 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
Enables the supporting plate to be lowered and raised without bending, improving ergonomic efficiency by allowing the operator to maintain a straight posture during operation, with gas springs aiding in weight compensation.
Implementation Method 1
with gas springs aiding in weight compensation
Data Source
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AI summary
Loading platform with a supporting plate which from an upright position is rotatable into a lying position, in which the supporting plate forms a bridging between the loading platform and the loading floor of a vehicle, with a rod, an opening provided in the supporting plate for the lead-through of the rod, characterized in that supporting means are provided by which a middle part of the rod that is led in the opening, at the location of a tilting supporting point, connecting to the inserting outer end, can be borne, in such a way that, an operator can let the inserting outer end tilt the rod upwards and downwards, with means by which the path of movement upwards of the rod can be limited.