Sliding Extension Platform With Folding Railing for Level Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevated platforms in industrial settings face issues such as deflection, trip hazards due to elevation changes, and flexible railings that are less secure, particularly when movable platforms are used in high-traffic areas.
Innovation Solution
A platform assembly with a translating extension frame and folding platform design that supports loads rigidly at the same elevation as the main platform, featuring rollers for movement and a folding railing system for enhanced safety and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable platform is used to allow movement in and out of the way of equipment, then adaptability is improved, but the platform undergoes deflection due to maintaining manageable weight while spanning a reasonable distance
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a main platform and a movable extension platform that can be detached. The extension platform is supported by an extension frame with rollers, allowing it to be moved independently along the main platform without causing deflection of the main structure. This segmentation enables the movable portion to be lightweight while the main platform maintains its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension platform is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the main platform through the extension frame with rollers. It can be extended along the longitudinal axis when needed and retracted when not needed, providing adaptability while maintaining stability through the rigid connection to the main platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable platform is supported for longitudinal sliding at a different elevation to allow retraction under the main platform, then adaptability is improved, but a dangerous trip hazard is created at the elevation change
Solution Approach 1:
The extension platform is designed to be at the same elevation as the main platform, creating a level surface without elevation changes. This equipotential design eliminates trip hazards while allowing the extension platform to be slid in and out along the longitudinal axis through the extension frame with rollers.
3Ease of operation
If railings associated with moving platforms are formed of chains to be flexible, then ease of movement is improved, but security is reduced compared to rigid railings
Solution Approach 1:
The railing system is segmented into multiple sections that can pivot independently. Each railing section is pivotally connected to the extension frame and to adjacent sections, allowing flexibility in movement while maintaining rigid structure for security. The segmented design enables the railing to accommodate the movement of the extension platform while providing reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The railing system uses pivotal connections that allow dynamic adjustment as the extension platform moves. The railing sections can pivot relative to each other and to the extension frame, providing flexibility during movement while maintaining rigid structure when stationary, thus achieving both ease of operation and reliability.
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 solution provides a rigid and secure support system that prevents trip hazards and maintains a continuous, level surface, ensuring worker safety and ease of movement.
Implementation Method 1
rollers supported between the extension frame and the main frame to support the extension frame for said translating movement between the extended position and the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
An elevated worker support platform includes a main platform and an extension assembly having a longitudinal sliding extension frame and an upwardly folding extension platform supported on the extension frame to provide a rigid underlying support to the extension platform while also enabling the platform to be supported at the same elevational as the main platform. A railing for use alongside the extension assembly may also be formed of rigid sections that are foldable so that the railing can extend and retract with the extension platform. The main platform may be formed in sections spanning between upright columns in which cradles formed on the top of each column receive the platform section securely and in proper alignment therein until fasteners can more securely attach the platform sections to the columns.