Design of a Human Powered Lift for Improved Safety when Working at Heights

Berry, Claire (2017) Design of a Human Powered Lift for Improved Safety when Working at Heights. [USQ Project]


Abstract

Human power has been used to facilitate motion for hundreds of years. There are several mechanisms by which humans utilise movement to power vehicles or machinery without the requirement of an external power source. However, most applications of human power to date have concentrated on horizontal motion, where very few viable devices currently exist to traverse vertical distances. This dissertation aims to explore design options for a human powered lift to improve safety when working at heights. Current innovations were examined, from which gaps in design availabilities were determined using a needs-based approach. Given the novelty of this project, relevant design and safety standards (in the Australian context) were also determined, but had to be adapted from similar devices as specific standards that apply to this particular design do not currently exist. The final concept proposed comprises of pulley supported dual platform elevator, controlled by the movement of the rider as they alternately stand-up and sit-down. This final design provides a conceptual framework for future designs, where limitations, further testing and design improvements are identified. The human powered lift provides an interesting alternative to current approaches to working at heights.


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Additional Information: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021)
Supervisors: Malpress, Ray
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2022 03:55
Last Modified: 31 Jan 2023 01:45
Uncontrolled Keywords: heights; human powered lift; improve safety
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40854

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