Modular MEWP with Quick-Release Couplings for Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a mobile elevating work platform suitable for manual work applications such as painting or renovation, requiring a design that is modular, easily disassemblable, and portable for efficient use in construction and maintenance tasks.
Innovation Solution
A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) composed of modular components including a base module with a chassis and wheels, a drive module with a battery-operated electric motor, and a work platform module, connected via quick-release couplings, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring a foldable design for enhanced portability and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the MEWP is designed as a single integrated unit, then structural stability is improved, but portability and ease of transportation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The MEWP is divided into three separate modules: base module, work platform module, and drive module. Each module can be transported independently by hand (max 35 kg per module), and they connect via quick-release couplings to form a stable integrated structure when assembled, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and portability
2Strength
If the MEWP uses permanent connections (welding, riveting), then structural strength is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from static permanent connections to dynamic reversible connections. Quick-release couplings with locking mechanisms provide strong structural connection during operation while allowing rapid detachment without tools, enabling the platform to adapt between assembled and disassembled states as needed
3Reliability
If the MEWP modules are made heavier for durability, then reliability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module weight is optimized to a specific parameter range (35-50 kg per module) that balances durability and portability. This weight range ensures modules are heavy enough to be durable and reliable during operation, yet light enough to be easily transported by one or two people, resolving the contradiction between reliability and portability
4Manufacturing precision
If the MEWP is designed with fixed structure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different work scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into modular components that can be assembled in different configurations. The base module, work platform module, and drive module can be connected in various arrangements to suit different work scenarios, while each module maintains precise manufacturing tolerances for reliable connection, thus achieving both precision and adaptability
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 MEWP provides a lightweight, easily transportable, and versatile solution for manual work tasks, supporting a maximum weight of 140 kg, with modules weighing 40-50 kg each, and enabling efficient space-saving storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a drive module detachably connected to the base module, comprising at least one drive wheel electrically driven by means of a battery-operated electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a vertical lifting device attached or attachable to the base module
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a mobile lifting platform (1) comprising a) a base module (2) with a chassis (215) with wheels (205) and a vertical lifting device (206) attached or attachable to the base module (2), b) a drive module (4) detachably connected to the base module (2), comprising at least one drive wheel (402) electrically driven by means of a battery-operated electric motor, and c) a work platform module (3) detachably attached to the vertical lifting device (206), comprising a work platform (301).