Elevating Platform Step Structure With Compression-Mounted Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevating platforms face issues with visibility due to opaque structures, leading to reduced operator safety and increased risk of accidents, and prior art step systems rely on adhesive bonds that are prone to failure under load, with molded-in ribs causing weight and manufacturing challenges.

Innovation Solution

The use of transparent or translucent materials for platform walls and doors to enhance visibility, and a step system with a design that ensures all contact areas are under compression, eliminating the reliance on adhesive bonds and using externally-applied reinforcement ribs for structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If opaque structures are used for platform walls, then structural integrity is maintained, but visibility is reduced leading to safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies transparency/translucency changes to platform walls by using transparent or translucent materials instead of opaque ones. This allows operators to see through the walls, dramatically improving visibility of the work environment while maintaining structural integrity through properly engineered material selection and design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of manufacture

If adhesive bonds are used to attach steps to platform, then installation is simplified, but bond reliability fails under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidstep attachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical attachment system. Steps are attached to the platform using mechanical means such as bolts, screws, or interlocking features that engage with structural elements. This substitution provides reliable load-bearing capacity while maintaining ease of installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If molded-in ribs are used for structural support, then manufacturing integration is achieved, but weight increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidplatform weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the structural support system by using externally attached ribs or strengthening elements rather than molding them into the platform as an integrated unit. This allows the ribs to be added only where needed for structural support, reducing overall weight compared to a fully integrated molded design, and simplifies manufacturing by separating the platform shell production from the structural reinforcement installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12258245B2Step system for elevating platform

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 ALTEC INDS

AI summary

A step for an elevating platform, the step including a top flange, a bottom flange, and a transition; the step configured to insert into a cutout in the platform sidewall. The bottom flange is configured to contact an outer surface of the platform sidewall when the top flange contacts an inner surface of the sidewall, thereby placing all of the contact areas between the step and the platform under compression when force is applied to the step.