Work Platform Slat Control for Rotating Workpiece Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for adjusting the extension lengths of slats on a work platform relative to a workpiece are inefficient, leading to significant non-value added time during the rotation and repositioning of the workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a controller to adjust the extension lengths of the slats based on operation data from sensors, ensuring that the separation distance between the slat ends and the workpiece remains within a safe range during rotation, thereby allowing workers to remain on the slats without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slats are retracted away from the workpiece during rotation, then worker safety is ensured, but the time required for the rotation process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The slats are made dynamically adjustable during the rotation process. The controller receives operation data from sensors and provides signals to actuators that adjust the extension lengths of the slats in real-time during rotation, allowing them to move between extended and retracted positions as needed for safety while maintaining continuous worker access
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the position of the workpiece and the extension state of the slats, then feeds this information back to the controller. The controller processes this operation data and adjusts the slat positions accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains safe separation distances while minimizing interruptions to worker access
2Productivity
If the slats are extended toward the workpiece to allow worker access, then productivity is improved, but the risk of contact between slats and workpiece increases during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor the separation distance between the slats and the workpiece, providing real-time feedback to the controller. When the distance approaches unsafe thresholds, the controller automatically signals the actuators to retract the slats, preventing contact while allowing maximum extension when safe
Solution Approach 2:
The slat extension lengths are dynamically adjusted based on real-time operational conditions. The system transitions from static fixed positions to dynamic adjustable positions, allowing the slats to be extended when the workpiece is stationary and retracted during rotation, optimizing both access and safety
3Reliability
If workers move off the slats during rotation, then safety is maintained, but non-value added time increases due to repeated access and egress
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous worker access to the workpiece by automatically adjusting the slat positions during rotation. Workers can remain on the slats and continue their work without interruption, as the slats are dynamically repositioned to maintain safe separation distances, eliminating the need for repeated access and egress
Solution Approach 2:
The work platform system serves itself by automatically detecting when rotation is occurring and autonomously adjusting the slat extension lengths through the controller and actuators. This self-adjusting mechanism removes the need for manual intervention or worker movement, allowing workers to remain in position while the system handles safety adjustments
Data Source
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AI summary
A system to adjust extension lengths of slats of a work platform relative to a workpiece includes sensors to collect first data associated with a position of an outer surface of the workpiece at a height of the slats. The system includes actuators configured to extend or retract the slats. The system also includes a controller coupled to the sensors and to the actuators. The controller is configured to receive the first data and second data associated with rotation of the workpiece. The controller is configured to provide signals to the actuators of the work platform based on the first data and the second data. The signals cause the actuators to adjust or maintain extension lengths of the slats of the work platform to maintain separation distances between ends of the slats and the outer surface of the workpiece within a separation distance range as the workpiece rotates.