Rotating Mount Guardrail for Automated Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent manual handling of heavy guardrails on movable deck platforms in airplane production facilities leads to repetitive lift injuries and fall risks, as they need to be regularly removed and reinstalled during the pulsing of the production line.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring rotating mounts with a lower weldment coupled to an upper weldment on a walking surface, and a guardrail weldment that can be adjusted between extended and retracted configurations using an actuator, allowing for automated deployment and stowage of guardrails, reducing manual handling and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If guardrails are manually removed and reinstalled during production line pulsing, then the production line can move between assembly stages, but personnel suffer repetitive lift injuries and fall risks
Solution Approach 1:
The guardrail system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure. The guardrail weldment is coupled to the rotating mount, which can rotate between a first position (guardrail extended) and a second position (guardrail retracted). This dynamic capability allows the guardrail to automatically move with the platform during pulsing operations, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation while maintaining personnel protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guardrail system becomes self-servicing by integrating it with the rotating mount mechanism. As the rotating mount automatically rotates to position the platform during pulsing, the guardrail weldment automatically extends and retracts accordingly. The system uses the existing rotational motion of the mount to drive the guardrail movement, eliminating the need for separate manual handling operations.
2Reliability
If heavy guardrails are manually handled frequently, then safety protection is provided when needed, but personnel are exposed to repetitive strain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The guardrail system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure. The guardrail weldment is coupled to the rotating mount, which can rotate between a first position (guardrail extended) and a second position (guardrail retracted). This dynamic capability allows the guardrail to automatically move with the platform during pulsing operations, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation while maintaining personnel protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mount serves as an intermediary mechanism between the platform positioning system and the guardrail. By coupling the guardrail weldment to the rotating mount, the system uses the mount's rotational motion as an intermediate step to automatically position the guardrail, eliminating the need for direct manual handling of the heavy guardrail sections.
3Productivity
If guardrails remain fixed during platform movement, then personnel safety is maintained, but the production line cannot pulse between assembly stages
Solution Approach 1:
The guardrail system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure. The guardrail weldment is coupled to the rotating mount, which can rotate between a first position (guardrail extended) and a second position (guardrail retracted). This dynamic capability allows the guardrail to automatically move with the platform during pulsing operations, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation while maintaining personnel protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guardrail system is pre-configured to move automatically with the platform through its coupling to the rotating mount. Before pulsing operations begin, the system is prepared so that as the platform moves to different assembly stages and the rotating mount rotates, the guardrail automatically extends or retracts as needed, ensuring continuous protection without interrupting production flow.
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 automated system minimizes the risk of repetitive injuries and falls by enabling safe and efficient retraction and extension of guardrails, aligning with safety guidelines and reducing manual labor during aircraft assembly line pulsing.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to controllably adjust a configuration of the guardrail weldment between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration
Implementation Method 2
at least one rotating mount having a lower weldment rotatably coupled to an upper weldment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates systems and methods involving movable/adjustable guardrails. An example system includes at least one rotating mount having a lower weldment rotatably coupled to an upper weldment. The lower weldment is coupled to a walking surface. The system also includes a guardrail weldment coupled to the upper weldment of the at least one rotating mount. The system additionally includes an actuator configured to controllably adjust a configuration of the guardrail weldment between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration with respect to the walking surface. In some embodiments, the system could include a remote unit configured to control a position of the actuator. For example, the remote unit could include a wired remote controller having a user interface and at least one button.