Retractable Wheel Work Platform for Ergonomic Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climbing equipment with work platforms and guardrails face challenges in maneuverability, ergonomics of use, and manufacturing costs, despite having reduced length and folded dimensions for transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of retractable wheels on the support legs and uprights, use of a single inverted U-shaped tube for support legs, and integration of a second curved tube for reinforcement, along with spring-loaded locking mechanisms to enhance ergonomics and reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If retractable wheels are added to support legs and uprights, then maneuverability and ergonomics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels are designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust between deployed and retracted positions based on whether the platform is being moved or is stationary. This dynamic feature improves maneuverability while minimizing complexity by only adding components when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly includes a spring mechanism that automatically extends the wheel when the platform is lifted for moving and retracts it when the platform is placed down. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual operation and minimizes the control system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If support legs are formed from a single bent tube, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple structural functions are merged into a single bent tube component. The support leg simultaneously provides structural support, houses the retractable wheel mechanism, and includes integrated footrests. This consolidation reduces manufacturing cost by eliminating multiple separate parts while maintaining strength through the tube's geometry and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg is formed as a bent tube with specific curvatures that provide structural strength while enabling the integrated design. The curved geometry distributes stresses effectively and allows the single tube to perform multiple functions including supporting the platform, accommodating wheel movement, and providing user contact points.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a second curved tube is added for reinforcement, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second curved tube is not a separate structural component but is integrated into the wheel assembly mechanism. It serves dual purposes: reinforcing the support leg structure and providing the mechanical linkage for wheel retraction/extension. This merging approach improves stability without significantly increasing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The second curved tube performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the support leg against lateral loads, provides a pivot point for the wheel mechanism, and acts as a structural connector between the support leg and the platform frame. This multi-functionality justifies its inclusion without proportionally increasing cost.
4Volume of moving object
If the platform is designed for compact folded dimensions, then transport and storage are improved, but maneuverability when deployed may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs dynamic folding mechanisms that allow compact storage when not in use and full deployment when needed. The support legs fold against the platform frame, and the wheels retract into the structure, achieving compact dimensions for transport while maintaining full functionality and maneuverability when deployed for use.
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 platform achieves improved maneuverability and ergonomics with reduced manufacturing costs, maintaining compact dimensions for transport and storage, and ensuring stability and automatic deployment.
Implementation Method 1
each wheel (7) is retractable, preferably by being pushed by a spring (8), to move from the position of movement when the platform is not loaded to the position of use when the platform is loaded
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a work platform (1) comprising: - two parallel uprights (4a) joined by bars (4b, 4c) to define a climbing plane (4); - two support legs (5), each hinged on an upper side to one of the uprights (4a) to occupy a storage position against the uprights (4a), or a stabilizing position away from the uprights (4a); - a floor (2) hinged between the two uprights (4a) and the two support legs (5) and foldable between a horizontal use position when the legs (5) are in the stabilizing position, and a folded position against the climbing plane (4) when the legs (5) are in the storage position; - a guardrail (3) disposed at the top of the climbing plane (4).According to the invention, the lower ends of the support legs (5) and the uprights (4a) are each equipped with a retractable wheel (7) to move from a position of use in which the wheel (7) does not support the platform (1) and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is in contact with the ground, to a position of movement in which the wheel (7) supports the platform (1) and the corresponding leg (5) or upright (4a) is lifted from the ground.