Portable Roof Platform for Automated Building Material Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting and holding building materials on elevated surfaces, such as roofs, require manual labor and are limited by the type of roof pitch and surface material, lacking a solution for automated and versatile delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a lifting device with a descending fork frame and portable supports that can transport and hold loads on various target surfaces, including pitched roofs, without the need for manual labor, using a portable platform with fork pockets for secure transport and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to place building materials on roofs, then flexibility in handling different roof types is maintained, but labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the load transport function into separate components: a lifting device for vertical transport and a portable platform for horizontal transport and positioning. This segmentation allows automated operation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable platform is designed to be self-positioning on the roof using its underside configuration that naturally conforms to roof surfaces, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments and reducing the complexity of control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If table top devices are used to hold building materials on roofs, then materials can be secured in place, but the devices are limited to specific roof types and pitches
Solution Approach 1:
The portable platform is designed with a universal underside configuration that can adapt to various roof types including pitched roofs, flat roofs, and irregular surfaces. The platform maintains holding reliability through its geometric design that provides stable contact with diverse roof surfaces without requiring roof-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the portable platform to dynamically adjust its orientation and contact points with the roof surface based on the roof's pitch and shape, enabling reliable material holding across different roof types while maintaining structural stability.
3Productivity
If automated lifting devices are used, then productivity increases, but the ability to handle diverse roof configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated lifting device performs the critical vertical lift operation with high precision, while the portable platform handles the adaptive positioning function. This division allows the automated component to focus on high-productivity tasks while the passive platform provides the necessary adaptability to various roof configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to the transport of one or more loads of items including building materials and/or other items to one or more target surfaces including one or more elevated surfaces. The present disclosure is also directed to the holding of one or more loads of items including building materials and/or other items during transport to one or more target surfaces including one or more elevated surfaces. The present disclosure is also directed to the holding of one or more loads of items including building materials and/or other items on one or more target surfaces including one or more elevated surfaces.