Variable Volume Aerial Work Platform With Hinged Extension Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial work platforms for self-propelled machines are complex, expensive, and difficult to operate due to numerous components and joints, especially under harsh conditions, which affects safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A variable volume aerial work platform with an articulated parallelogram configuration using fewer components, featuring hinged three-sided extension modules that transition from a compact closed to an extended open configuration, ensuring easier operation and increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional bellows pattern extendable portions are used, then the platform can achieve sufficient width in work configuration, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive due to high number of components and joints
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a fixed central body and separate extension modules that can be independently assembled and deployed. Each extension module consists of a limited number of hinged panels that attach to the central body, allowing the platform to achieve sufficient width (about 4m) in work configuration while maintaining a simpler overall structure compared to traditional bellows patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension modules are designed with hinges that allow dynamic transformation between closed transport configuration and open work configuration. The hinged panels can be folded against the central body during transport and deployed sideways during work operations, providing adaptability without requiring complex bellows-style articulation throughout the entire structure.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional bellows pattern extendable portions are used, then the platform can achieve sufficient width in work configuration, but production costs increase due to high number of components and joints
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the platform into a central body and separate extension modules with standardized hinged connections, the manufacturing process is simplified. Each module can be produced independently with fewer components per unit, reducing overall production costs while still achieving the required platform width of about 4m when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a continuous bellows pattern that requires numerous interconnected components, the invention inverts the approach by using discrete modular panels that attach to the central body. This reversal of the traditional design philosophy reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the same functional outcome of achieving sufficient working width.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional bellows pattern extendable portions are used, then the platform can achieve sufficient width in work configuration, but opening and closing operations become difficult under severe weather conditions and inadequate maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses segmented extension modules with simple hinged connections rather than a continuous bellows structure. This segmentation reduces the number of joints that require operation during opening and closing, making the operations easier to perform even under severe weather conditions or when maintenance has been inadequate.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic hinged design allows the extension modules to be easily deployed and stowed by simple rotational movements. The hinges are positioned to allow smooth operation during opening and closing transitions, and the modular nature means that if one joint becomes stiff, the others can still be operated independently, maintaining ease of operation under adverse conditions.
4Length of moving object
If the platform is made longer in work configuration, then more workers can be accommodated, but the closed configuration size increases beyond allowed profile limits
Solution Approach 1:
The extension modules are designed to fold compactly against the central body during transport, reducing the overall volume to within allowed profile limits. During work configuration, the same modules deploy sideways to increase the effective working length and width of the platform, allowing more workers to be accommodated without compromising road travel constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension modules are deployed perpendicular to the central body's longitudinal axis, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than extending the length along the travel direction. This dimensional transformation allows the platform to achieve increased working length and width for accommodating more workers while maintaining a compact profile during transport.
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 reduces production costs, enhances operational ease, and provides maximum safety and stability for workers by allowing a longer work platform configuration while maintaining compactness in closed form, thus addressing the complexity and maintenance issues of prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A variable volume aerial work platform with an articulated parallelogram configuration using fewer components, featuring hinged three-sided extension modules that transition from a compact closed to an extended open configuration
Implementation Method 2
at least one extension module 10, associated to said central body 1 at one of the smaller sides LB of said rectangle, and hinged to the guard sides 2 through first and second vertical hinges 11, 12
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The aerial work platform C1, C2 is aimed at being associated to a self-moving operating machine and includes: a fixed central body (1 ), rectangular in plan view, provided with two guard sides (2), located at its long sides (LA) and a central platform (3), situated at the bottom; at least one extension module (10), hinged to said central body (1 ) at one of its smaller sides (LB), consisting of a three side structure (21 ), (22), (23), that defines, together with said smaller side (LB), an articulated parallelogram on a horizontal plane, aimed at assuming two configurations, respectively, flattened rest configuration (X), in which said three sides (21), (22), (23) are folded and placed against said fixed central body (1 ), and an open working one (V), in which the same three sides (21 ), (22), (23) are arranged at an angle one to another to define a side body (20), set beside and aligned with said fixed central body (1 ). A side platform (30), positioned in the side body (20), is beside and aligned with said central platform (3). Locking means (40), aimed at stabilizing said open work configuration (V) of said extension module (10), are provided between the side platform (30) and said sides (21 ), (22), (23) of the structure.