Tank Bracket Arrangement for Worker Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety installations for workers on tanks, such as water tanks, do not adequately address the need for both non-pivotable and pivotable brackets located on hoops, with most prior art focusing on fixed, non-pivotable brackets at the top hoop and pivotable brackets below, lacking a comprehensive solution for safe worker access and support across various tank heights.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of both non-pivotable and pivotable brackets on hoops around the tank, with non-pivotable brackets fixed at the top hoop to prevent lateral and vertical movement and pivotable brackets on lower hoops to accommodate varying worker positions, ensuring secure attachment points for safety fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only non-pivotable brackets are installed at the top hoop, then worker safety is improved for top-of-tank operations, but worker accessibility to side-of-tank positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The safety installation is segmented into two distinct bracket types: non-pivotable brackets for top-of-tank operations and pivotable brackets for side-of-tank operations. This segmentation allows each bracket type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between safety and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different bracket characteristics are applied to different locations on the tank. Non-pivotable brackets with fixed orientation are installed at the top hoop where workers stand, while pivotable brackets are installed at lower hoops where workers need to position themselves at various heights on the side.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pivotable brackets are installed on lower hoops, then worker accessibility to various heights is improved, but structural stability and prevention of bracket movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable brackets incorporate a controlled degree of movement through a pivot mechanism that allows the bracket to rotate within a limited arc. This dynamic capability enables workers to position themselves at various heights while the pivot mechanism maintains stability within operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system is segmented into non-pivotable and pivotable components, each with distinct stability characteristics. The non-pivotable brackets provide fixed stability at the top, while the pivotable brackets provide controlled flexibility at lower positions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If brackets are made non-pivotable to prevent movement, then bracket stability is improved, but adaptability to different worker positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into two functional segments: non-pivotable brackets for stable top-of-tank support and pivotable brackets for adaptable side-of-tank positioning. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different stability-adaptability characteristics to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The overall tie-on installation system achieves universality by combining both non-pivotable and pivotable brackets, allowing the same system to serve multiple functions: providing stable support at the top and flexible positioning support at the sides.
4Reliability
If comprehensive safety installations are provided at all hoops, then worker safety is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different levels of safety installation are applied to different locations based on local requirements. Non-pivotable brackets are installed at the top hoop where workers stand, while pivotable brackets are installed at lower hoops where workers need positioning flexibility. This localized approach provides comprehensive safety without uniform complexity throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety installation is segmented into essential non-pivotable brackets at the top and supplementary pivotable brackets at lower positions. This segmentation allows the core safety function to be provided with simpler non-pivotable brackets, while additional pivotable brackets are added only where needed for side access.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation for supporting a worker on a tank: The tank includes a plurality of vertical staves held to define a peripheral wall by a plurality of hoops. A top bracket at the top hoop has a tie-on receiving fixture for attachment to a worker's tie-on at the outer end of the bracket. The tie-on bracket on the top hoop is shaped to not pivot up and down around the top hoop. At least one lower hoop is located on the side of the tank. Each lower bracket at each lower hoop has a tie-on receiving fixture for attachment to a worker's tie-on at the outer end of the bracket. Each lower bracket is shaped and positioned for being able to be pivoted up and down around its lower hoop. A threaded end region on the end of a hoop segment passes through a hole in the respective bracket. A nut is tightened on the threaded end region for holding the bracket to a junction fixture on the end of a respective hoop segment. The adjacent hoop end regions or hoop segment end regions are held in the junction fixture to form the respective hoop.