Group 4 – Plat4m

Performing maintenance work on aircraft can be extremely uncomfortable and unsafe in the absence of a work platform. HAECO acknowledged this, and expressed a need for an adjustable, transportable, easy-to-use, and, above all, safe work platform. This was where we came in. Our team developed Plat4m in response to their needs, a work platform tailored to routine maintenance of A320 type aircraft. The work platform sports numerous features meticulously designed to improve the worker experience, increasing productivity and safety. This platform weaves five primary subsystems together: the platform itself, the stairs, the base, the legs, and the hydraulics. First, the platform is the key to Plat4m's uniqueness. It features nine independent, extendable slats which are able to conform to any gaps between the platform and the plane. It also features extendable railings to keep workers from falling off the slats. The slats are actuated from the top of the platform via insertion of a tool into a slot. The worker can depress a spring-locked pin and move the slat using their tool. Upon removal, the lock automatically reengages. The platform has toe and pinch guards installed to improve safety further. One of the key features of Plat4m is its ability to raise and lower from a range of 6-8 feet. The lifting is done via two hydraulic cylinders, which are pumped by hand. The legs are able to lock the platform height via pins, and the stairs automatically adjust to the new height while remaining level and within OSHA standards thanks to a clever 4-bar linkage. Finally, the base features a tow hook, urethane caster wheels, and crank jacks to enable ease of transportability. Plat4m has the capability to revolutionize HAECO's workflow, and both parties are extremely satisfied with the end product.