Adjustable Work Platform Slats for Safe Rotation Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for adjusting the extension lengths of slats on a work platform relative to a workpiece are inefficient, leading to significant non-value added time due to the need for frequent rotation and repositioning of the slats during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors to collect data on the position of the workpiece's outer surface, actuators to extend or retract the slats, and a controller that adjusts the extension lengths of the slats based on the collected data and rotation information, ensuring that the separation distances between the slat ends and the workpiece remain within a specified range during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slats are retracted away from the workpiece during rotation, then worker safety is ensured, but the time required for rotation and resetting the slats increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The slats are made dynamically adjustable through actuators that can extend and retract them in real-time. The system transitions from a static slat configuration to a dynamic one where the slat positions are continuously adapted based on the workpiece rotation state and surface contour, allowing workers to remain on the platform while maintaining safety distances
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor the position of the workpiece outer surface and provide feedback to the control system. The controller uses this feedback data along with rotation information to automatically adjust the slat positions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains safety without requiring manual intervention or complete retraction of slats
2Productivity
If the slats are extended toward the workpiece to allow worker access, then productivity is improved, but the risk of contact with the workpiece during rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect the position of the workpiece surface and triggers automatic adjustment of the slats through actuators. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation and ensures consistent maintenance of safety distances without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of extending and retracting slats is replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, controllers, and actuators. This substitution enables precise, rapid, and repeatable adjustments that maintain safety distances while maximizing worker access
Data Source
AI summary
A system to adjust extension lengths of slats of a work platform relative to a workpiece includes sensors to collect first data associated with a position of an outer surface of the workpiece at a height of the slats. The system includes actuators configured to extend or retract the slats. The system also includes a controller coupled to the sensors and to the actuators. The controller is configured to receive the first data and second data associated with rotation of the workpiece. The controller is configured to provide signals to the actuators of the work platform based on the first data and the second data. The signals cause the actuators to adjust or maintain extension lengths of the slats of the work platform to maintain separation distances between ends of the slats and the outer surface of the workpiece within a separation distance range as the workpiece rotates.