Box Enclosure Hoist Traverse Path for Spring Torque Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attic stair systems require significant force to change the spring attachment position, necessitating detachment and reattachment, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A continuous hoist assembly traverse path for the spring end allows for automatic adjustment of the spring attachment position without detachment, using a fixed and articulated structural elements with a spring connected between them, enabling easy and controlled torque adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the spring attachment position is changed by detaching and reattaching the spring, then the spring torque can be adjusted, but significant force is required and the process is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring torque adjustmentVSAvoidattachment position changing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A traverse path mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the spring and the support structures. This traverse path guides the spring end through a controlled movement path, allowing the spring to automatically shift between attachment positions without requiring manual detachment and reattachment. The traverse path effectively mediates the transition, converting a difficult manual operation into an automated guided process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static attachment configuration to a dynamic one where the spring attachment position can change automatically. The traverse path enables the spring end to move dynamically between different attachment positions on the support, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment openings are provided on supports, then spring torque adjustment is possible, but the process requires detaching and reattaching the spring which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring tension adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The traverse path acts as an intermediary mechanism that eliminates the need for manual detachment and reattachment. Instead of directly moving the spring between attachment points on supports, the traverse path guides the spring end through a controlled path that automatically positions it at the desired attachment location, significantly reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The traverse path is pre-configured with the complete movement path between all attachment positions. This preliminary preparation allows the spring to automatically follow the predetermined path when changing attachment positions, eliminating the need for manual positioning and reducing adjustment time to merely activating the traversal mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spring is detached and reattached at different positions, then torque adjustment is achieved, but the process requires significant manual force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring end attachment positionVSAvoidforce required for detachment and attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The traverse path mechanism serves as an intermediary that takes over the force-intensive task of moving the spring between attachment positions. Instead of requiring manual force to detach and reattach the spring, the traverse path uses its guided movement mechanism to automatically reposition the spring end, dramatically reducing the manual force required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service repositioning of the spring through the traverse path mechanism. Once activated, the mechanism automatically guides the spring end along the predetermined path to the target attachment position without requiring continuous manual force or intervention, allowing the system to service itself during adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates convenient and controlled adjustment of spring torque by allowing the spring end to skip between attachment positions along a guided path, reducing the need for manual detachment and reattachment, thus improving ease of use and adaptability to changing conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A box enclosure hoist assembly built out of a spring (41), one end of which is connected to a box enclosure fixed structural element (11), wherein the other end is located in a first attachment position (51) on a support unit (42, 43)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The traverse path (421) for continuous guiding the spring end towards the target attachment position is located between first and second attachment positions (51, 52)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4636190A1Box enclosure hoist assembly, box enclosure and method for changing hoist assembly spring end attachment position
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 STOLART SP ZOO
  • EP4636190A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636190A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636190A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The subject-matter of the invention comprises a box enclosure hoist assembly, built out of spring (41), one end of which is designed to be connected to box enclosure fixed structural element (1) and the other end is connected with the hoist assembly hoist supports (42, 43) unit and there are at least two spring (41) end attachment positions (51, 52) on one of the supports (42) and that between attachment positions (51, 52) there there is continuous traverse path (421) to guide spring (41) end from one attachment position (51) to another attachment position (52), as well as a method for changing spring end attachment position in the hoist assembly.