Boom-Mountable Material Handler for Below-Load Sign Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for raising and maintaining aerial objects, such as signs, are inefficient due to the need to detach and reattach signs from above, which requires removing overhead structures and increases time and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A boom-mountable material handler that attaches to a utility platform or crane, allowing loads to be raised and secured from below, using a quick-coupling adapter system to facilitate easy attachment and detachment, enabling efficient placement and maintenance of aerial objects without disassembling overhead structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a crane is used to raise signs from above, then the sign can be attached to high locations, but overhead structures must be removed and more time and resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sign attachmentVSAvoidtime for sign maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional crane-based approach by using a material handler that raises signs from below rather than from above. This allows signs to be attached to high locations without needing to remove overhead structures, significantly reducing maintenance time and resource requirements while improving operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a crane is used to raise signs from above, then signs can be placed at high locations, but overhead structures block access and require removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to place signsVSAvoidcomplexity of overhead structure removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The material handler system inverts the traditional approach by approaching signs from below rather than from above. This eliminates the need to remove overhead structures entirely, simplifying the operation and allowing signs to be placed at high locations in previously inaccessible areas without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If traditional crane methods are used, then signs can be raised to high locations, but more resources and man-hours are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesign placement efficiencyVSAvoidresources required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional crane operation by using a material handler that lifts signs from below, which reduces both the time and resources required for sign maintenance and placement operations. This approach improves productivity while decreasing the quantity of resources and man-hours needed compared to traditional overhead crane methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10662046B1Boom-mountable material handler

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 ALTEC INDS

AI summary

A boom-mountable implement for raising loads from below the load is described herein. The boom-mountable implement comprises at least on platform for supporting the load and is attachable to the boom by a quick-attaching adapter. The quick-attaching adaptor comprises a boom-interfacing segment and an implement-interfacing segment for quick and easy attachment of the boom to the implement. The boom-mountable implement raises loads from below allowing for the load to be secured quickly and efficiently in locations that would not otherwise be reachable by systems and methods attaching to the load from above.