Mechanical Stabilizer Interlock for Mobile Access Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer arrangements for mobile apparatus are complex and costly, requiring operator intervention and powered actuators for deployment, and lack a reliable failsafe mechanism to prevent lifting operations unless stabilizers are correctly deployed.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical stabilizer arrangement that automatically deploys stabilizers upon initial functional movement of a component, using a guide slot and guide member interlock mechanism, preventing further movement until the stabilizers are fully deployed, and incorporating a locking mechanism for safety, eliminating the need for powered actuators and simplifying construction and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known stabilizer arrangements use electrical sensors or hydraulic shut off valves with cam action, then failsafe interlock is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex electrical sensors and hydraulic control systems from the stabilizer arrangement. Instead, it uses a purely mechanical interlock member that physically blocks the elevating mechanism unless stabilizers are deployed, achieving failsafe interlock through simple mechanical geometry rather than complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active control systems (sensors, valves, actuators) to enable lifting when stabilizers are deployed, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive mechanical block that physically prevents lifting unless the stabilizers are in the deployed position. The interlock member must be moved out of the way by the stabilizer deployment itself, reversing the traditional control logic.
2Extent of automation
If powered actuators are used to deploy stabilizers, then deployment is automated, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer deployment system is self-service: the act of elevating the functional component automatically moves the interlock member out of the blocking position, which in turn allows the stabilizers to deploy. The system uses its own operational movement to trigger the deployment sequence without requiring external powered actuators or energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock member is positioned in advance to block the elevating path. When elevation begins, this pre-positioned block is automatically moved out of the way by the mechanical linkage, preliminarily enabling stabilizer deployment before the actual lifting operation proceeds.
3Device complexity
If manual setup of stabilizers is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock member is pre-positioned to block the elevating mechanism. When the operator attempts to elevate the functional component, the mechanical linkage automatically moves this pre-positioned block, which in turn triggers stabilizer deployment. This preliminary mechanical arrangement ensures stabilizers are deployed before lifting without requiring manual setup steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the stabilizer deployment operation automatically through its own elevating motion. The mechanical interlock and linkage system self-activates the deployment sequence, eliminating the need for separate manual setup actions while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stabilizer (20) arrangement for mobile apparatus such as an access platform (14) having a chassis (10, 10) (10) with a functional component (16) (16) movably mounted thereon for movement between a rest position and a use position, comprises a stabilizer member (26) (26) movably mounted with respect to the chassis (10, 10) and having a ground (46)-engaging portion (30, 38) (30), the stabilizer member (26) being movable between a retracted condition in which the ground (46)-engaging portion (30, 38) does not engage the ground (46) and a deployed condition in which the ground (46) -engaging portion (30, 38) engages the ground (46), the stabilizer member (26) and functional component (16) being mechanically interconnected such that, in use, initial functional movement from the rest position of the functional component (16) relative to the chassis (10, 10) causes movement of the stabilizer member (26) from the retracted condition to the deployed condition.