Telescopic Load Platform Shuttle for Inboard Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art movable work platforms face inefficiencies in multi-storey construction, including prolonged outboard position during unloading, restricted crane operations, and significant deflection under load, which pose safety risks and increase costs due to crane hire.
Innovation Solution
A load carrying platform shuttle with a motor-driven gear assembly, paired support rollers, and guide rollers that allow the carriage to move between extended and retracted positions while supporting loads, minimizing deflection and enabling continuous crane operations by moving the load inboard without unloading it first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the deck is moved to its inboard position while carrying a load, then operational efficiency is improved and crane hire costs are reduced, but the structural strength and safety of the platform is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a stationary support structure and a movable deck section. The deck is segmented into load-bearing support regions and non-load-bearing extended regions, allowing the load-bearing portion to be moved while maintaining structural integrity through the stationary support framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform employs a composite structural system combining stationary support elements with movable deck components. This composite design allows different parts of the platform to serve different functions - the stationary portion provides structural strength while the movable portion enables operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If the deck is left in its outboard position for loading operations, then loading efficiency is improved, but the deflection of the deck increases significantly under load
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary support structure acts as a counterbalancing element that compensates for the deflection of the extended deck portion. The support structure provides upward reaction forces that counteract the downward deflection caused by loads on the extended deck, maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform design separates the vertical support function from the horizontal loading function. The stationary support structure handles vertical load-bearing while the extended deck provides horizontal loading area, allowing the deck to extend beyond the support structure without compromising stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is designed with extended loading region, then adaptability for various loading operations is improved, but the deflection and safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a stationary support structure and a movable deck section. The deck is segmented into load-bearing support regions and non-load-bearing extended regions, allowing the load-bearing portion to be moved while maintaining structural integrity through the stationary support framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform transitions from a static design to a dynamic system where the deck can move between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability allows the platform to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining safety by retracting the load-bearing portion when not in use.
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 shuttle enhances load carrying capacity and safety by allowing crane loads to be moved inboard while other crane operations continue, reducing crane hire costs and minimizing platform deflection, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The shuttle includes a motor and preferably a gear assembly for driving the movement of the carriage between the extended position and the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
Each upper support roller cooperating with a respective lower support roller to pinch and hold therebetween a flange of the side beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A load carrying platform shuttle (10) has a static frame (12) and a movable carriage (14). The frame is securable to a mounting location, such as a given working level of a multi-storey building under construction, and the carriage is arranged to telescope into the static frame between an extended position outboard of the mounting location and a retracted position inboard of the mounting location. The movable carriage can move between the extended position and the retracted position while carrying a load. The shuttle includes a motor (76) and gear assembly (72, 74, 78) for driving the movement of the carriage between the extended position and the retracted position while carrying the load.