Movable Brake Ballast Plate for Movable Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable structures, such as platforms and scaffolds, often lack sufficient braking mechanisms to prevent unwanted movement, requiring multiple individuals to move them and providing inadequate stability when in place.
Innovation Solution
A brake/ballast assembly that includes a movable brake/ballast plate which can transition between positions to allow movement and prevent movement, utilizing a combination of a fixed member, wheels, and engagement members to provide stability and locking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a movable structure uses a braking mechanism to prevent unwanted movement, then stability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brake plate and ballast into a single integrated component that performs both braking and stabilizing functions. The brake/ballast plate serves dual purposes: providing braking force through friction engagement with the ground and adding ballast weight to prevent tipping, thereby improving stability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The brake/ballast plate is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides braking capability and ballast function. This universal component addresses multiple stability-related needs (preventing sliding and preventing tipping) with a single device, resolving the contradiction between stability improvement and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If a movable structure is designed to be easily movable, then ease of operation is improved, but stability when positioned is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The brake/ballast plate is designed to be dynamically positionable between an engaged state (providing braking and stability) and a disengaged state (allowing movement). This dynamic capability enables the structure to transition between movable and stable states, resolving the contradiction between ease of movement and stability when positioned
3Reliability
If a braking mechanism is added to a movable structure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake and ballast functions are merged into a single integrated plate, reducing the number of separate components needed for reliable braking and stabilization. This consolidation improves reliability by ensuring both functions are provided by a unified component while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 easy movement of structures while ensuring stability and preventing unwanted movement through a failsafe braking mechanism, allowing single-person operation and enhanced safety.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom surface is in engagement with the wheels when the movable brake/ballast plate is provided in the movable brake/ballast plate second position. The surface area of the bottom surface of the movable brake/ballast plate is sufficient to provide adequate force and resistance to prevent the movement of the wheels
Implementation Method 2
The movable brake/ballast plate is dimensioned to include sufficient material to provide sufficient weight to allow the movable brake/ballast plate to act as ballast for the movable structure
Data Source
AI summary
A brake/ballast assembly for a movable structure. The brake/ballast assembly includes a movable brake/ballast plate movable between a movable brake/ballast plate first position in which the movable brake/ballast plate is positioned proximate the fixed member and a movable brake/ballast plate second position in which the movable brake/ballast plate is spaced from the fixed member. An engagement member is connected to the movable brake/ballast plate. The engagement member is movable between an engagement member first position and an engagement member second position. When the engagement member is in the engagement member first position, the movable brake/ballast plate is provided in the movable brake/ballast plate first position allowing the movable structure to be moved along a surface, when the engagement member is in the engagement member second position, the movable brake/ballast plate is provided in the movable brake/ballast plate second position preventing the movable structure from moving relative to the surface.