Runway Light Fixture Removal Tool with Lever Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing and replacing runway lights are inefficient, potentially dangerous, and difficult due to water pressure locks and the need for technicians to physically interact with live components, posing safety risks and straining technicians with repetitive tasks.

Innovation Solution

A device with a handle and pivotable lever, featuring engagement means like flanges and non-slip materials, designed to quickly and safely open light fixtures while minimizing contact with live components, and capable of breaking water pressure locks, with modular components for various fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current methods using pinch bars or screwdrivers are used to remove light fixtures, then technicians can access the lights, but technicians are exposed to electrocution risks from live components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnician safetyVSAvoidelectrocution risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device introduces a non-conductive intermediary structure (handle portion made of non-conductive material) that mediates between the technician and the live electrical components. The arms engage with the light fixture while the non-conductive handle prevents electrical contact, allowing technicians to safely access and remove fixtures without direct contact with energized parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If technicians physically touch light fixtures to remove them, then removal is possible, but repetitive strain injuries occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight fixture removalVSAvoidrepetitive strain injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service removal of light fixtures through its mechanical design. The arms with engagement means automatically grip the fixture, and the lever portion provides mechanical advantage to facilitate removal without requiring technicians to manually grip and manipulate the fixtures, thereby eliminating repetitive strain on hands and arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If light fixtures are made flat and flush with the ground to minimize protrusion, then safety is improved, but replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotrusion-related hazardsVSAvoidlight fixture replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device approaches the flush-mounted light fixture from a vertical dimension, using arms that extend downward to engage with the fixture from above. This dimensional approach allows the device to access and remove fixtures that are flush with the ground surface without requiring horizontal manipulation or protruding tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If technicians work to tight schedules to replace lights, then operational continuity is maintained, but water pressure locks make removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight replacement speedVSAvoidlid removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by engaging with the light fixture and applying controlled force to break the water pressure lock before complete removal. The arms position and engage with the fixture, and the lever portion provides the initial mechanical advantage needed to overcome the pressure differential, preparing the fixture for smooth removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Reliability

If non-conductive materials are used for tools, then electrocution risk is reduced, but gripping strength and leverage are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidtool gripping strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses composite material construction with a non-conductive handle portion for safety and conductive or high-strength metal arms for mechanical strength and engagement. This composite approach allows each component to be made from materials optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables quick and safe removal of runway lights, reducing the risk of electrocution and repetitive strain injuries, while maintaining the integrity of the light fixtures and seals, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLeverage: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS11802683B2Device for accessing runway lighting

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 SGK ELEVATORERS PTY LTD

AI summary

A device for removing a light fixture, the device comprising: a handle portion and a lever portion; the lever portion being pivotable relative to the handle portion between a first position and a second position; the handle portion having at least one abutment means; the handle portion and the lever portion defining a device body; a first arm extending from the device body, the arm having an engagement means; and wherein the first position is an engaging position in which the engagement means is engaged with a light fixture and the second position is an open position for mounting the device to the light fixture.