Lift system and method

Abstract

To provide a system for changing a vertical position of one or a plurality of objects such as a wire bundle arranged in an aircraft.SOLUTION: The lift system 100 includes a first clamping assembly 102, a second clamping assembly 104, and a gear assembly 106. The lift system 100 includes a lift housing 126 having a housing cavity 140 with a spool assembly disposed within the housing cavity 140. The spool assembly is coupled to the gear assembly 106, which controls the direction of rotation of the spool assembly. A first strap 112 extends between a first end 116 coupled to the first clamping assembly 102 and a second end coupled to the spool assembly. A second strap 114 extends between a third end 120 coupled to the second clamping assembly 104 and a fourth end coupled to the spool assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a lift system for moving an object and a method of operating a lift system. [Background technology]

[0002] Wire bundles are located in various areas of an aircraft that electrically connect several onboard electronic systems. The wire bundles range in length from about 12 feet to about 25 feet, and each wire bundle weighs from about 250 pounds to about 750 pounds.

[0003] In certain aircraft, such as commercial aircraft, wire bundles may be located and routed in compartments located below the floor of the aircraft cabin, and may be mounted at elevated locations within each compartment of the aircraft, such as by being connected to floor beams associated with the cabin floor.

[0004] To install wire bundles within an aircraft floor beam, one or more workers may manually lift and hold the wire bundle while another worker performs the installation. However, manually installing and removing wire bundles on an aircraft exposes workers to a hazardous work environment, causes physical pain and ergonomic strain, requires workers to possess the necessary physical abilities, and requires multiple workers to install the wire bundles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a system for changing the vertical position of one or more objects, such as wire bundles, located on an aircraft.

[0006] With these needs in mind, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lift system and method including a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly. The first clamp assembly may be coupled to a first structure, and the second clamp assembly may be coupled to a second structure. The lift system may include a gear assembly, the gear assembly including one or more gears disposed within a gear housing. The lift system may further include a lift housing having a plurality of surfaces defining a housing cavity, with a spool assembly disposed within the housing cavity. The spool assembly may be operatively coupled to the one or more gears of the gear assembly. The gear assembly may control the rotational direction of the spool assembly. A first strap extends between a first end operatively coupled to the first clamp assembly and a second end operatively coupled to the spool assembly. A second strap extends between a third end operatively coupled to the second clamp assembly and a fourth end operatively coupled to the spool assembly. The lift housing may move in a first direction in response to rotation of the spool assembly in a first rotational direction, and the lift housing may move in a second direction in response to rotation of the spool assembly in a second rotational direction. In one embodiment, the lift housing is configured to move an object operatively coupled to the lift housing in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, the spool assembly includes a rotatable extension member configured to rotate in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction. A second end of the first strap and a fourth end of the second strap are operatively coupled to the rotatable extension member. In one embodiment, a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are wrapped around an outer surface of the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction. In another embodiment, a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are unwound from the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the second rotational direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the gear assembly controls the rotational speed of the spool assembly and the direction of rotation of the spool assembly. In another embodiment, the lift housing includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the housing cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the lift housing extends between a first end and a second end. The lift housing includes a first roller disposed near the first end of the lift housing and a second roller disposed near the second end of the lift housing. The first strap fits over a portion of the first roller of the lift housing between the first and second ends of the first strap. The second strap fits over a portion of the second roller between the third and fourth ends of the second strap.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first end of the first strap is removably coupled to the first clamp assembly, and a third end of the second strap is removably coupled to the second clamp assembly. In another embodiment, the first structure and the second structure are located inside an aircraft. The lift housing moves in the first direction toward a surface of the aircraft or in the second direction away from the surface of the aircraft. For example, the lift housing moves an object toward and / or away from the surface of the aircraft.

[0011] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method that includes moving a lift housing of a lift system in a first direction in response to rotating a spool assembly in a first rotational direction. The spool assembly may be disposed within the lift housing. The lift system includes a first strap extending between a first end operatively coupled to a first clamping assembly and a second end operatively coupled to the spool assembly. The lift system further includes a second strap extending between a third end operatively coupled to a second clamping assembly and a fourth end operatively coupled to the spool assembly. The method may further include moving the lift housing of the lift system in a second direction in response to rotating the spool assembly in a second rotational direction.

[0012] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lift system including a lift housing including a plurality of surfaces defining a housing cavity and a spool assembly configured to be disposed in the housing cavity of the lift housing. The spool assembly includes a rotary extension member configured to rotate in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction. The spool assembly is operatively coupled to a gear assembly that controls the rotational direction and / or speed of the rotary extension member. The lift system includes a first strap extending between a first end operatively coupled to a first clamping assembly and a second end operatively coupled to the rotary extension member of the spool assembly. The lift system further includes a second strap extending between a third end operatively coupled to a second clamping assembly and a fourth end operatively coupled to the rotary extension member of the spool assembly. The first clamping assembly may be operatively coupled to a first structure, and the second clamping assembly may be operatively coupled to a second structure. The lift housing may move in a first direction toward the first and second structures in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction. A portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap may be wrapped around an outer surface of the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member in the first rotational direction. Alternatively, the lift housing may move in a second direction away from the first and second structures in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly in the second rotational direction. A portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap may be unwound from the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member in the second rotational direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a lift system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lift system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lift system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the lift system of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a spool assembly of the lift system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a first configuration of a clamp assembly of a lift system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates a second configuration of a clamp assembly of a lift system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front view of a lift system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The above summary of the invention and the following detailed description of some embodiments will be more easily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" in the singular herein does not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to exclude the existence of other embodiments having the described features. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, an embodiment that "comprises / includes" or "has" one or more elements that satisfy a particular condition may include other elements that do not satisfy that condition.

[0015] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lift system and a method for controlling operation of a lift system. In one embodiment, the lift system includes a gear assembly and a spool assembly operatively coupled to the gear assembly. The lift system further includes one or more straps extending between the clamp assembly and the spool assembly. The gear assembly controls operation of the spool assembly to rotate it in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction. Rotating the spool assembly in the first rotational direction causes the lift housing to move in a first linear direction. Alternatively, rotating the spool assembly in the second rotational direction causes the lift housing to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. In one embodiment, the lift system can be used to change the vertical or elevational position of an object. For example, an object is placed on top of the lift housing, and the lift housing can move the object to one or more different vertical positions (e.g., raise, lower, etc.).

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lift system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lift system 100. The lift system 100 includes a lift housing 108 having a first surface 134, a second surface 136 opposite the first surface 134, and a third surface 138 extending between the first surface 134 and the second surface 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 134, the second surface 136, and the third surface 138 of the lift housing 108 are formed as a unitary structure or a single member, although in other embodiments they may be formed as separate, independent members that can be connected (e.g., by welding, fasteners, etc.).

[0017] The first surface 134, the second surface 136, and the third surface 138 of the lift housing 108 define a housing cavity 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the lift housing 108 extends between a first end 142 and a second end 144. In one or more embodiments, the distance between the first end 142 and the second end 144 of the lift housing 108 is, for example, about 12 inches, about 18 inches, about 24 inches, or about 36 inches. The lift system 100 includes a cover 124 that extends along and covers at least a portion of the housing cavity 140.

[0018] The lift system 100 includes a first strap 112 and a second strap 114. In one or more embodiments, the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 are fabricated from a fabric or other flexible material. By way of example, the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 are fabricated from a material that can bend, flex, or the like, thereby controlling the amount of stretch required for the straps. The first strap 112 extends between a first end 116 operatively coupled to the first clamping assembly 102 and a second end 118 (see FIG. 3 ). The second strap 114 extends between a third end 120 operatively coupled to the second clamping assembly 104 and a fourth end 122 (see FIG. 3 ). The first clamping assembly 102 can be coupled to a first structure (not shown), and the second clamping assembly 104 can be coupled to a second structure (not shown). For example, the first and second clamp assemblies 102, 104 may couple the lift system 100 to one or more structures, and the first and second straps 112, 114 may allow the lift housing 108 to be positioned or suspended vertically below the first and second clamp assemblies 102, 104. The lift housing 108 may move in a first direction 130 toward each of the clamp assemblies 102, 104 or in a second direction 132 away from each of the clamp assemblies 102, 104. In one embodiment, the first direction 130 represents an upward direction, and the second direction 132 represents a downward direction. Moving the lift housing 108 in the first and second directions 130, 132 (e.g., upward and downward) may, for example, change the vertical position of the lift housing 108 relative to the structure coupled to each of the clamp assemblies 102, 104 or other surface or structure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a first arrangement 600 of a clamping assembly (e.g., a first and / or second clamping assembly). The first arrangement 600 of the clamping assembly is also referred to as a horizontal clamping arrangement. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping body 602 and an adjustment member 604 inserted through a passage in the first clamping body 602. The adjustment member 604 extends between an engagement end 606 and an actuation end 608. When the clamping assembly is coupled to a structure (not shown), the structure is disposed between the first clamping body 602 and the engagement end 606 of the adjustment member 604. When the adjustment member 604 is actuated to move the actuation end 608, the adjustment member 604 moves in a first opening direction 614 or a first closing direction 616 accordingly.

[0020] Alternatively, FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a second arrangement 700 of a clamping assembly (e.g., a first and / or second clamping assembly). The second arrangement 700 is also referred to as a vertical clamping arrangement. The clamping assembly includes a second clamping body 702 and an adjustment member 604 inserted through a through-hole in the second clamping body 702. When the adjustment member 604 is actuated to move the actuation end 608, the adjustment member 604 moves in a second opening direction 714 or a second closing direction 716 accordingly. For example, the second opening direction 714 and the second closing direction 716 of the clamping assembly in the second arrangement 700 are substantially perpendicular to the first opening direction 614 and the first closing direction 616 of the clamping assembly in the first arrangement 600.

[0021] The first clamp body 602 in the first arrangement 600 has a first connection tab 618 and a second connection tab 620 extending therefrom. The first connection tab 618 and the second connection tab 620 have concentric through holes that are axially aligned with one another. Similarly, the second clamp body 702 in the second arrangement 700 has a first connection tab 718 and a second connection tab 720 extending therefrom. The first connection tab 718 and the second connection tab 720 have concentric through holes that are axially aligned with one another.

[0022] The clamp assemblies of the first arrangement 600 and the second arrangement 700 include a strap connecting device 610 having an extension 612 that is inserted through holes provided in the first and second connection tabs 618, 620 of the first clamp body 602 and the first and second connection tabs 718, 720 of the second clamp body 702. A receiving pocket is provided at the first end 116 of the first strap 112, and the extension 612 is also inserted through this pocket. The first end 116 of the first strap 112 is located between the first connection tab 618 and the second connection tab 620 of the first clamp body 602 and between the first connection tab 718 and the second connection tab 720 of the second clamp body 702. The strap connecting device 610 is detachable from the first clamp body 602 and the second clamp body 702. For example, the strap connecting device 610 allows first and second straps to be removably connected to the first and second clamping assemblies 102 and 104 .

[0023] In one embodiment, the lift system 100 includes a first clamp assembly 102 in a first configuration 600 as shown in Figure 6 and a second clamp assembly 104 in a second configuration 700 as shown in Figure 7. For example, the first clamp assembly 102 may be coupled to a structure (not shown) that requires the first clamp assembly 102 to be in a horizontal clamping configuration, and the second clamp assembly 104 may be coupled to a structure (not shown) that requires the second clamp assembly 104 to be in a vertical clamping configuration. Optionally, both the first clamp assembly 102 and the second clamp assembly 104 may be in a horizontal clamping configuration or both may be in a vertical clamping configuration.

[0024] 1 and 2, the lift system 100 includes a gear assembly 106. The gear assembly 106 has a gear housing 126 having multiple surfaces defining a gear space (not shown) in which one or more gears (not shown) are disposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear housing 126 is operatively coupled to the first surface 134 of the lift housing 108 with multiple fasteners 170; however, in alternative embodiments, the gear housing 126 may be coupled to the lift housing 108 at other locations on the lift housing 108 or by other coupling mechanisms or arrangements. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 124 of the lift housing 108 covers a portion of the gear housing 126; however, in alternative embodiments, the cover 124 may be shaped or sized differently, such that the cover 124 covers a different portion of the gear housing 126 or does not cover the gear housing 126 at all.

[0025] The gear assembly 106 has a gear shaft 160 that extends through the gear housing 126 between a first end 166 and a second end 168. The first end 166 of the gear shaft 160 is provided with an attachment portion 128 that includes a nut 158. A drive device (not shown) is coupled to the attachment portion 128 to control the rotational movement of the gear shaft 160, which in turn controls the movement of one or more gears (not shown) disposed within the gear housing 126.

[0026] In one embodiment, the nut 158 ​​on the gear shaft 160 may be the same as or substantially the same as the nut on the actuation end 608 of the adjustment member 604 of the first clamp assembly 102 or the second clamp assembly 104. For example, a single actuation device (e.g., a wrench, drill, etc.) may be used to couple or decouple the first clamp assembly 102 and the second clamp assembly 104 to a structure (not shown) and to control the movement of the gear shaft 160 of the gear assembly 106. In one or more embodiments, an operator may use a single actuation device (e.g., a wrench, drill, etc.) to actuate the adjustment member 604 of the first and second clamp assemblies 102, 104 to couple or decouple each clamp assembly 102, 104 to a structure and to actuate the mounting portion 128 of the gear shaft 160.

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lift system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the lift system 100, and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a spool assembly 110 of the lift system 100. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the lift housing 108 is hidden and not visible. Also, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the lift housing 108 and gear assembly 106 are hidden and not visible.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the lift system 100 includes a spool assembly 110 disposed in a housing cavity 140 of a lift housing 108. The spool assembly 110 includes a spool connecting rod 146 coupled to a rotary extension member 156 of the spool assembly 110. The rotary extension member 156 extends between a first plate 178 operatively coupled to a first surface 134 of the lift housing 108 and a second plate 180 operatively coupled to a second surface 136 of the lift housing 108. The spool connecting rod 146 operatively connects the rotary extension member 156 to one or more gears disposed within a gear housing 126. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the spool connecting rod 146 extends through the gear housing 126 through a gear housing passageway 148 to connect the spool assembly 110 to the gear assembly 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the spool connecting rod 146 is operatively connected to the gear housing 126 and one or more gears via a connecting element 150, such as a key or other connecting mechanism.

[0029] The lift housing 108 includes a first roller 152 disposed within the housing cavity 140 near the first end 142 of the lift housing, and a second roller 154 disposed within the housing cavity 140 near the second end 144 of the lift housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 124 of the lift housing 108 includes recesses located above the first roller 152 and the second roller 154, respectively, through which the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 extend. The first roller 152 is operatively coupled to the first and second surfaces 134, 136 and the cover 124 by a first mounting component 162 (see FIG. 2 ). The second roller 154 is operatively coupled to the first and second surfaces 134, 136 and the cover 124 by a second mounting component 164. The first and second attachment members 162, 164 may be bolts, nuts, screws, nails, or other connecting mechanisms.

[0030] The first strap 112 is positioned to follow a portion of the outer periphery of the first roller 152 between a first end 116 and a second end 118 of the first strap 112. The second strap 114 is positioned to follow a portion of the outer periphery of the second roller 154 between a third end 120 and a fourth end 122 of the second strap 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 extend between a first surface 134 and a second surface 136 of the lift housing 108. In alternative embodiments, the lift housing 108 may include two or more rollers positioned to restrict the position of the first strap 112 and the second strap 114, such as within the housing cavity 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 are provided with chamfers 172 that restrict the position of the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 on the outer periphery of the rollers that extend between the first surface 134 and the second surface 136 of the lift housing 108. For example, the chamfers 172 restrict the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 to be positioned approximately centered between the first surface 134 and the second surface 136 of the lift housing 108.

[0031] The first strap 112 and the second strap 114 are coupled to the spool assembly 110 within the housing cavity 140. For example, the first strap 112 has a second end 118 coupled to the outer periphery of the rotatable extension member 156, and the second strap 114 has a fourth end 122 coupled to the outer periphery of the rotatable extension member 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 118 of the first strap 112 and the fourth end 122 of the second strap 114 are arranged to be wrapped around different portions of the outer periphery of the rotatable extension member 156. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first strap 112 is wrapped around an upper portion of the rotatable extension member 156, and the second strap 114 is wrapped around a lower portion of the rotatable extension member 156.

[0032] Gear assembly 106 controls the operation of spool assembly 110 to control the rotational direction and / or rotational speed of rotatable extension member 156 of spool assembly 110. For example, a drive device (not shown) can be coupled to mounting portion 128 of gear assembly 106 to rotate gear shaft 160 in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction. One or more gears (not shown) disposed within gear housing 126 control the rotational direction and / or rotational speed of rotatable extension member 156 between first rotational direction 174 or second rotational direction 176 in response to driving the gear shaft.

[0033] As the rotatable extension member 156 rotates in the first rotational direction 174, a portion of the first strap 112 and a portion of the second strap 114 are wrapped around the outer periphery of the rotatable extension member 156. As the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 are wrapped around the rotatable extension member 156, the lift housing 108 moves in the first direction 130 closer to the first clamp assembly 102 and the second clamp assembly 104. For example, as the rotatable extension member is rotated in the first rotational direction 174, the length of the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 between the lift housing 108 and each of the first clamp assembly 102 and the second clamp assembly 104 is shortened.

[0034] Alternatively, when the rotatable extension member 156 rotates in the second rotational direction 176, a portion of the first strap 112 and a portion of the second strap 114 detach from the outer circumferential surface of the rotatable extension member 156. As the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 detach from the rotatable extension member 156, the lift housing 108 moves in the second direction 132, away from the first clamp assembly 102 and the second clamp assembly 104. For example, when the rotatable extension member is rotated in the second rotational direction 176, the length of the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 between the first clamp assembly 102 and the second clamp assembly 104 and the lift housing 108 increases.

[0035] By coupling the first strap 112 and the second strap 114 to the rotating extension member 156, the lift housing 108 can be maintained in a substantially horizontal position as the lift housing 108 is moved in the first direction 130 and the second direction 132. For example, as the lift housing 108 moves in the first direction 130 and the second direction 132, the first end 142 of the lift housing 108 and the second end 144 of the lift housing 108 remain aligned with one another. Additionally, the lift housing 108 is positioned and oriented such that the cover 124 of the lift housing 108 is substantially perpendicular to the linear direction of movement of the lift housing 108 in the first direction 130 and the second direction 132.

[0036] Figure 8 is a flowchart 800 of a method for controlling the operation of a lift system 900, and Figure 9 is a front view of the lift system 900 according to one embodiment. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, at 802, a first strap 912 is releasably coupled to a first clamp assembly 902, and at 804, a second strap 914 is releasably coupled to a second clamp assembly 904. At 806, the first clamp assembly 902 is coupled to a first structure 960, and at 808, the second clamp assembly 904 is coupled to a second structure 962.

[0037] Lift system 900 includes a lift housing 908 and a cover 924 coupled to lift housing 908. Lift housing 908 has a housing cavity within which a rotating extension member 956 of a spool assembly is disposed. A first strap 912 is coupled to and extends between first clamp assembly 902 and rotating extension member 956, and a second strap 914 is coupled to and extends between second clamp assembly 904 and rotating extension member 956. First strap 912 is wrapped around a portion of first roller 952, and second strap 914 is wrapped around a portion of second roller 954.

[0038] The rotatable extension member 956 is operatively coupled to a gear assembly (not shown in FIG. 9) that controls the movement of the rotatable extension member 956. For example, the gear assembly controls the direction of rotation of the rotatable extension member 956 and the speed of rotation of the rotatable extension member 956.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the lift system 900 is used to move one or more objects 950 to one or more different vertical positions. At 810, it is determined whether the lift housing 908 of the lift system 900 needs to be moved in the first direction 130. For example, it is determined whether the lift housing 908 and / or the object 950 needs to be moved in the first direction 130 closer to a first structure 960 and a second structure 962. If the lift housing 908 needs to be moved in the first direction 130, at 812, one or more gears of a gear assembly (not shown) are driven to rotate the rotatable extension member 956 in a first rotational direction 174. For example, rotating the rotatable extension member 956 in the first rotational direction 174 causes portions of the first strap 912 and the second strap 914 to wrap around the outer surface of the rotatable extension member 956, shortening the lengths of the first strap 912 and the second strap 914. When the rotating extension member 956 of the spool assembly is rotated in the first rotational direction 174, the lift housing 908 and / or object 950 moves in the first direction 130 and is placed at a predetermined location, a predetermined height, a predetermined elevation, etc., after which the method proceeds to 814.

[0040] Returning to 810, if movement of the lift housing 908 in the first direction 130 is not required, a determination is made as to whether movement of the lift housing 908 in the second direction 132 is required. For example, a determination is made as to whether movement of the object 950 and / or the lift housing 908 in the second direction 132 is required to move the object 950 and / or the lift housing 908 away from the first structure 960 and the second structure 962. If movement of the lift housing 908 in the second direction 132 is required, then at 816, one or more gears of the gear assembly are driven to rotate the rotatable extension member 956 in the second rotational direction 176. Rotating the rotatable extension member 956 in the second rotational direction 176 causes portions of the first strap 912 and the second strap 914 to unwind from the outer surface of the rotatable extension member 956, thereby shortening the lengths of the first strap 912 and the second strap 914. When the rotating extension member 956 of the spool assembly is rotated in the second rotational direction 176, the lift housing 908 (and / or object 950) moves in the second direction 132 and is placed at a predetermined location, a predetermined height, a predetermined elevation, etc., after which the method proceeds to 818 and 820.

[0041] In one embodiment, the object 950 is placed on the lift housing 908, and the lift housing 908 is moved in the first direction 130, thereby moving the object 950 to a placement position, a docking position, etc. In another embodiment, the object 950 is in an elevated position (e.g., above the lift housing 908, near the first structure 960 and the second structure 962), and the lift housing 908 is moved in the first direction 130 to retrieve and / or lower the object 950 from the elevated position. For example, the lift system 900 is used to assist in moving the object 950 from an elevated position to a lower position.

[0042] Returning to 814, if the lift housing 908 does not need to be moved in the second direction 132, the method proceeds to 818 and 820. At 818, the first clamp assembly 902 is decoupled from the first structure 960, and at 820, the second clamp assembly 904 is decoupled from the second structure 962.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the first structure 960 and the second structure 962 are located within the aircraft, such as floor beams of the aircraft. For example, Figure 10 is a front perspective view of an aircraft 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 1000 includes a propulsion system 1012 including, for example, two turbofan engines 1014. Optionally, the propulsion system 1012 may include more engines 1014 than shown. The engines 1014 are mounted on wings 1016 of the aircraft 1000. In other embodiments, the engines 1014 are mounted on a fuselage 1018 and / or a tail 1020. The tail 1020 also supports a horizontal stabilizer 1022 and a vertical stabilizer 1024.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the first and second structures are located inside the fuselage 1018 of the aircraft 1000, and the lift system 900 is used to move multiple objects 950 to different vertical positions. For example, the objects 950 are wire bundles installed inside the fuselage 1018 along a portion of the length of the fuselage 1018. In one example, the length of the wire bundle is about 10 feet (ft), about 15 feet, about 25 feet, about 40 feet, etc. Additionally, the weight of the wire bundle 950 is about 150 pounds (lb), about 500 pounds, about 750 pounds, about 1000 pounds, about 1500 pounds, etc. The wire bundle 950 needs to be moved to an elevated location in the fuselage 1018. For example, the wire bundle 950 is installed near a floor beam or other surface inside the aircraft. The lift system 900 is used to move the objects 950 closer to or away from such aircraft surfaces.

[0045] Optionally, lift system 900 can be used to move any other object within an aircraft, within other vehicles (e.g., automobiles, buses, locomotives, trains, ships, spacecraft, etc.), within fixed structures (e.g., buildings, warehouses, homes, etc.), etc. Optionally, lift system 900 is used to move any object to one or more different vertical positions.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, two or more lift systems can be used to move the wire bundle between an elevated position and a lowered position. For example, for a wire bundle approximately 25 feet long, a lift system can be positioned every 5 feet of the wire bundle's length. Each of these five lift systems can be independently operated to move the wire bundle between the lowered position and the elevated position. For example, a worker can drive the gear shaft of a first lift system to move the first lift system in a first direction to a predetermined height, then the same worker can drive the gear shaft of a second lift system to move the second lift system in a first direction to a predetermined height, then the same worker can drive the gear shaft of a third lift system to move the third lift system in the first direction to a predetermined height, and so on. Also, for example, one or more workers can raise the wire bundle in stages and / or in phases. In other embodiments, the gear shafts of the five lift systems can be independently driven by five workers. Optionally, two or more lift systems can be used in any alternative manner.

[0047] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lift system and method for moving objects, such as wire bundles, to different heights on an aircraft. The lift system includes a clamping assembly that is detachably coupled to one or more structures, surfaces, members, etc. on the aircraft. One or more straps are stretched between the clamping assembly and a lift housing. The lift housing includes a spool assembly, and the one or more straps are coupled to a rotating member of the spool assembly. The rotating member is controlled by a gear assembly to rotate in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction. An object to be moved can be placed on a top surface of the lift housing, and the lift housing moves in a first direction (e.g., toward the clamping assembly) in response to rotation of the rotating member in the first rotational direction, or moves in a second direction (e.g., away from the clamping assembly) in response to rotation of the rotating member in the second rotational direction.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable objects (e.g., wire bundles) to be moved to different elevations to enhance the safety of the work environment for personnel installing and / or removing wire bundles from aircraft. For example, the lift system of the present disclosure may reduce at least some of the physical or manual effort required by personnel to install wire bundles, reduce physical risks and ergonomic discomfort for personnel, enable fewer personnel to install wire bundles, and enable personnel who do not have the physical ability to manually lift wire bundles to complete the wire bundle installation process.

[0049] Furthermore, the present disclosure also includes examples according to the following appendices:

[0050] Clause 1. A first clamp assembly configured to be operatively coupled to a first structure; a second clamp assembly configured to be operatively coupled to the second structure; a gear assembly including one or more gears disposed within a gear housing; a lift housing having a plurality of surfaces defining a housing cavity, the lift housing including a spool assembly disposed within the housing cavity, the spool assembly configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more gears of the gear assembly, the gear assembly configured to control a rotational direction of the spool assembly; and a first strap extending between a first end operatively connected to the first clamp assembly and a second end operatively connected to the spool assembly; a second strap extending between a third end operatively connected to the second clamp assembly and a fourth end operatively connected to the spool assembly; the lift housing is configured to move in a first direction in response to rotation of the spool assembly in a first rotational direction, and the lift housing is configured to move in a second direction in response to rotation of the spool assembly in a second rotational direction.

[0051] Appendix 2. The lift system of Appendix 1, wherein the lift housing is configured to move an object operatively connected to the lift housing in one or more of the first direction or the second direction.

[0052] Appendix 3. The lift system of Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the spool assembly includes a rotary extension member configured to rotate in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction, and wherein the second end of the first strap and the fourth end of the second strap are operably coupled to the rotary extension member.

[0053] Appendix 4. The lift system of Appendix 3, wherein a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to be wrapped around an outer surface of the rotary extension member in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction.

[0054] Appendix 5. The lift system of Appendix 3, wherein a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to unwind and detach from the rotary extension member in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the second rotational direction.

[0055] Appendix 6. A lift system as described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 5, wherein the gear assembly includes a mounting portion extending a given distance from the gear housing, and the one or more gears are configured to respond to actuation of the mounting portion.

[0056] Appendix 7. The lift system of any one of Appendixes 1 to 6, wherein the gear assembly is configured to control the rotational speed of the spool assembly.

[0057] Appendix 8. A lift system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the lift housing includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the housing cavity.

[0058] Appendix 9. The lift system of any one of Appendixes 1 to 8, wherein the lift housing extends between a first end and a second end and includes a first roller positioned near the first end of the lift housing and a second roller positioned near the second end of the lift housing, the first strap configured to follow a portion of the first roller of the lift housing between the first and second ends of the first strap, and the second strap configured to follow a portion of the second roller between the third and fourth ends of the second strap.

[0059] Appendix 10. A lift system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 9, wherein a first end of the first strap is removably connected to the first clamp assembly and a third end of the second strap is removably connected to the second clamp assembly.

[0060] Appendix 11. A lift system as described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 10, wherein the first structure and the second structure are disposed inside an aircraft, and the lift housing is configured to move in the first direction toward a surface of the aircraft or in the second direction away from the surface of the aircraft.

[0061] Appendix 12. The lift system of any of Appendixes 1 to 11, wherein the lift housing is configured to move an object in one or more directions toward or away from the surface of the aircraft.

[0062] CLAIM 13. A lift housing of a lift system configured to move in a first direction in response to rotating a spool assembly in a first rotational direction, wherein the spool assembly is disposed within the lift housing, the lift system having a first strap extending between a first end operatively coupled to a first clamp assembly and a second end operatively coupled to the spool assembly, and a second strap extending between a third end operatively coupled to a second clamp assembly and a fourth end operatively coupled to the spool assembly; and moving the lift housing of the lift system in a second direction in response to rotating the spool assembly in a second rotational direction.

[0063] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, further comprising controlling one or more of the direction of rotation of the spool assembly or the speed of rotation of the spool assembly via a gear assembly operatively coupled to the spool assembly.

[0064] Clause 15. The method of clause 13 or 14, wherein the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly is rotated in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction, wherein the second end of the first strap and the fourth end of the second strap are operatively coupled to the rotatable extension member.

[0065] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, wherein when the spool assembly rotates in the first rotational direction, a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are wound around an outer surface of the rotary extension member in response.

[0066] Clause 17. The method of clause 15, wherein, in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the second rotational direction, a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap unwind from the outer surface of the rotary extension member.

[0067] Note 18. A first end of the first strap is removably connected to a first clamp assembly; 18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising removably connecting a third end of the second strap to a second clamp assembly.

[0068] Addendum 19. Connecting the first clamp assembly to a first structure of an aircraft; connecting the second clamp assembly to a second structure of the aircraft; 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the lift housing responsively moves in the first direction to move an object toward a surface of the aircraft, or the lift housing responsively moves in the second direction to move an object away from the surface of the aircraft.

[0069] Clause 20. A lift housing including one or more surfaces defining a housing cavity; a spool assembly configured to be disposed in the housing cavity of the lift housing, the spool assembly including a rotatable extension member configured to rotate in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction, the spool assembly operatively coupled to a gear assembly configured to control one or more of the rotational direction of the rotatable extension member or the rotational speed of the rotatable extension member; a first strap extending between a first end operatively connected to a first clamp assembly and a second end operatively connected to the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly; a second strap extending between a third end operatively connected to a second clamp assembly and a fourth end operatively connected to the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly; the first clamp assembly is configured to be operably coupled to a first structure, and the second clamp assembly is configured to be operably coupled to a second structure; the lift housing is configured to move in a first direction toward the first and second structures in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction, and a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to be wrapped around an outer surface of the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member in the first rotational direction; the lift housing is configured to move in a second direction away from the first and second structures in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly in the second rotational direction, and a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to unwind from the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member in the second rotational direction.

[0070] In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, various spatial and directional terms may be used, such as top, bottom, bottom, center, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. These terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the drawings. These orientations may be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that top becomes bottom or vice versa, or horizontal becomes vertical.

[0071] Additionally, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a process or operation is one that is specifically formed, configured, or adapted to perform that process or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, something that is merely modifiable to perform that process or operation does not qualify as "configured" to perform that process or operation, as used herein.

[0072] It should be noted that the above description is illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, these examples are not intended to be limiting and are merely illustrative. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description, the terms "including" and "in which" are used in their ordinary form to mean "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as distinguishing markers and do not impose numerical requirements on the objects referred to by these terms.

[0073] The description herein is intended to disclose by way of example various embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and performing the methods. The patentable scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments should be considered to be within the scope of the claims if they contain elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent elements that have only insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. a first clamp assembly configured to be operatively coupled to the first structure; a second clamp assembly configured to be operatively coupled to the second structure; a gear assembly including one or more gears disposed within a gear housing; a lift housing having a plurality of surfaces defining a housing cavity, the lift housing including a spool assembly disposed within the housing cavity, the spool assembly configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more gears of the gear assembly, the gear assembly configured to control a rotational direction of the spool assembly; and a first strap extending between a first end operatively connected to the first clamp assembly and a second end operatively connected to the spool assembly; a second strap extending between a third end operatively connected to the second clamp assembly and a fourth end operatively connected to the spool assembly; the lift housing is configured to move in a first direction in response to rotation of the spool assembly in a first rotational direction, and the lift housing is configured to move in a second direction in response to rotation of the spool assembly in a second rotational direction.

2. 10. The lift system of claim 1, wherein the lift housing is configured to move an object operatively coupled to the lift housing in one or more of the first direction or the second direction.

3. 2. The lift system of claim 1, wherein the spool assembly includes a rotatable extension member configured to rotate in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction, and wherein a second end of the first strap and a fourth end of the second strap are operatively coupled to the rotatable extension member.

4. 4. The lift system of claim 3, wherein a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to be wrapped around an outer surface of the rotary extension member in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction.

5. 4. The lift system of claim 3, wherein a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to unwind and disengage from the rotary extension member in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the second rotational direction.

6. 2. The lift system of claim 1, wherein the gear assembly includes a mount extending a given distance from the gear housing, the one or more gears configured to respond to driving of the mount.

7. The lift system of claim 1 , wherein the gear assembly is configured to control the rotational speed of the spool assembly.

8. The lift system of claim 1 , wherein the lift housing includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the housing cavity.

9. 10. The lift system of claim 1, wherein the lift housing extends between a first end and a second end and includes a first roller disposed near the first end of the lift housing and a second roller disposed near the second end of the lift housing, the first strap configured to follow a portion of the first roller of the lift housing between the first and second ends of the first strap, and the second strap configured to follow a portion of the second roller between the third and fourth ends of the second strap.

10. 2. The lift system of claim 1, wherein a first end of the first strap is removably connected to the first clamp assembly and a third end of the second strap is removably connected to the second clamp assembly.

11. 2. The lift system of claim 1, wherein the first structure and the second structure are disposed inside an aircraft, and the lift housing is configured to move in the first direction toward a surface of the aircraft or in the second direction away from the surface of the aircraft.

12. 12. The lift system of claim 11, wherein the lift enclosure is configured to move objects in one or more directions toward or away from the surface of the aircraft.

13. a lift housing of a lift system configured to move in a first direction in response to rotating a spool assembly in a first rotational direction, wherein the spool assembly is disposed within the lift housing, the lift system having a first strap extending between a first end operatively coupled to a first clamping assembly and a second end operatively coupled to the spool assembly, and a second strap extending between a third end operatively coupled to a second clamping assembly and a fourth end operatively coupled to the spool assembly; and moving the lift housing of the lift system in a second direction in response to rotating the spool assembly in a second rotational direction.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising controlling one or more of the direction of rotation of the spool assembly or the speed of rotation of the spool assembly via a gear assembly operatively connected to the spool assembly.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising rotating a rotatable extension member of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction, wherein the second end of the first strap and the fourth end of the second strap are operatively coupled to the rotatable extension member.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are wrapped around an outer surface of the rotary extension member in response to rotation of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap responsively unwind from an outer surface of the rotary extension member as the spool assembly rotates in the second rotational direction.

18. a first end of the first strap removably coupled to a first clamp assembly; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising removably connecting a third end of the second strap to a second clamping assembly.

19. connecting the first clamp assembly to a first structure of an aircraft; connecting the second clamp assembly to a second structure of the aircraft; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising one or more of: moving an object toward a surface of the aircraft in response to the lift housing moving in the first direction; or moving an object away from the surface of the aircraft in response to the lift housing moving in the second direction.

20. a lift housing including one or more surfaces defining a housing cavity; a spool assembly configured to be disposed in the housing cavity of the lift housing, the spool assembly including a rotatable extension member configured to rotate in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction, the spool assembly operatively coupled to a gear assembly configured to control one or more of the rotational direction of the rotatable extension member or the rotational speed of the rotatable extension member; a first strap extending between a first end operatively connected to a first clamp assembly and a second end operatively connected to the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly; a second strap extending between a third end operatively connected to a second clamp assembly and a fourth end operatively connected to the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly; the first clamp assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to a first structure and the second clamp assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to a second structure; the lift housing is configured to move in a first direction toward the first and second structures in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly in the first rotational direction, and a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to be wrapped around an outer surface of the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member in the first rotational direction; the lift housing is configured to move in a second direction away from the first and second structures in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member of the spool assembly in the second rotational direction, and a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are configured to unwind from the rotatable extension member in response to rotation of the rotatable extension member in the second rotational direction.

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