Pivoting Ladder Access for Tanker Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access devices for the upper parts of tank vehicles are either too bulky and difficult to handle due to their mass distribution, or require significant space and financial investment for installation, and lack optimal safety and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting ladder access device with a pivot joint connecting the ladder to the frame, allowing it to tilt between an inclined working position and a vertical rest position, which improves stability and reduces bulk, combined with rolling means for easy movement and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ladder is equipped with a platform at the upper end and secured by parapets, then access safety is improved, but the device mass increases making it difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is made movable relative to the chassis through a pivot joint, allowing it to tilt between a working inclined position and a rest vertical position. This dynamic configuration enables the heavy platform-equipped ladder to be moved and stored efficiently despite its increased mass from safety features.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ladder is held fixed in an inclined position relative to the frame, then access stability is improved, but the device requires considerable space in front of the tank for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder transitions from a static fixed inclined position to a dynamic tilting mechanism that can assume both an inclined working position (providing stable access) and a vertical rest position (reducing space requirements). The pivot joint enables this dynamic reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder is allowed to move in a different dimension (tilting angle) rather than being fixed in one position. By pivoting between inclined and vertical orientations, the device optimizes both access stability and space utilization without requiring considerable frontal space.
3Ease of operation
If the center of gravity is positioned for optimal stability during movement, then maneuverability is improved, but the device may become less stable during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its configuration between two states: during movement, the vertical rest position optimizes maneuverability; during operation, the inclined working position optimizes stability. The pivot joint enables this dynamic transition between operational modes.
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 device enhances ease of handling, safety, and space efficiency by redistributing mass and allowing for compact storage, facilitating movement and installation in restricted spaces while maintaining stability during travel.
Implementation Method 1
the connection between the ladder and the frame is at least one joint providing a pivot connection along an axis parallel to the rungs of the ladder... the device includes a support structure for said ladder relative to the frame... said ladder can tilt relative to the chassis between a first inclined position called 'working position' and a second position corresponding to the vertical position called 'rest position'
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an access device (1) for the upper part of a tanker truck (100), the device comprising: - a chassis (3), - an access platform (6), - a ladder (2) comprising two uprights (10, 11) and a set of rungs, said ladder at its upper end supporting said access platform (6), and at its lower end being connected to the chassis (3). The connection between the ladder (2) and the chassis (3) is at least one hinge (14) providing a pivot joint along an axis parallel to the rungs of the ladder. The device further comprises a support structure for said ladder (2) relative to the chassis (3). The device is arranged and configured such that the ladder (2) can tilt relative to the chassis (3) between a first inclined position, referred to as the "working position," and a second position corresponding to the vertical position, referred to as the "resting position," or vice versa.