Mechanical Proximity Sensor for Slidable Worker Platform Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

It is challenging to safely and precisely position the leading edge of a slidable extension in close proximity to an aircraft or other workpiece without risking damage, as it is difficult for observers to determine the exact distance between the extension and the workpiece surface during deployment.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical proximity sensor system is integrated into the slidable extension, featuring a probe and an indicator that rotates from a first to a second orientation when the leading edge is at a predetermined distance from the workpiece, providing a visible signal to stop extension advancement and forming a toeboard for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the extension is advanced toward the workpiece to close the gap, then the proximity to the workpiece is improved, but the risk of damaging contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance from extension to workpieceVSAvoidrisk of damaging contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is positioned to make preliminary contact with the workpiece surface before the extension's leading edge reaches it. This preliminary action by the probe provides early warning through the indicator mechanism, allowing operators to stop extension advancement before damaging contact occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator provides visual feedback to operators about the relative position between the extension and workpiece. When the probe contacts the workpiece, the indicator rotates to signal that the extension has reached a safe proximity threshold, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents over-advancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If visual estimation is used to determine distance, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of distance determinationVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement through the probe's automatic contact with the workpiece surface. The mechanical engagement of the probe with the workpiece inherently provides the measurement function, eliminating the need for external measurement tools or complex electronic sensors while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The probe acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the extension and workpiece. It transfers the positional relationship information to the indicator mechanism, which then communicates this information to operators in a visually intuitive manner, bridging the gap between physical distance and human perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the extension is positioned closer to the workpiece to improve accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker accessibility to workpieceVSAvoidsafety against damaging contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe makes preliminary contact with the workpiece to establish a safe working distance before the extension's leading edge approaches. This preliminary positioning action ensures that workers can access the workpiece effectively while the probe continuously monitors for any changes in the gap distance that might indicate impending damaging contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator provides continuous visual feedback to workers and operators about the safety margin between the extension and workpiece. This feedback mechanism allows workers to operate with improved accessibility while maintaining safety awareness, as the indicator will alert them before damaging contact occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures safe and precise positioning of the extension by preventing unintended contact with the workpiece, enhancing safety by forming a toeboard and preventing damage through accurate distance determination.

Implementation Method 1

a probe and an indicator carried by the extension... creating engagement between the probe and the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact detection: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11732487B2Mechanical proximity sensor for a slidable extension of a worker support apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Apparatus, devices, and methods relating to a mechanical proximity sensor for a slidable extension. An illustrative apparatus may comprise an elevated platform and an extension slidably extendable from the elevated platform toward a workpiece. The apparatus also may comprise a probe coupled movably to the extension. The apparatus further may comprise an indicator connected to the probe and configured to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation in response to engagement between the probe and the workpiece as the extension approaches the workpiece. The indicator may be configured to complete rotation from the first orientation to the second orientation when a leading edge of the extension is located at a predetermined distance from the workpiece.