Cantilevered Boom Safety Linkage for Controlled Overload Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cantilevered beam and boom assemblies are prone to damage and require costly access solutions when subjected to significant loads, as they rely on static wall mounts that can cause damage to the wall and necessitate ladder access for servicing.
Innovation Solution
A safety device is introduced that maintains cantilevered beams and booms in a fixed position until a threshold load is applied, then controls downward pivoting to prevent damage, using mechanisms like elongate links, shear pins, chain-link elements, springs, or dashpots to absorb and manage the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a static wall mount is used to support the beam, then the beam is held in a fixed position, but the wall and wall mount are damaged when significant load is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static wall mount into a dynamic system by introducing a pivotable beam that can rotate downward when overloaded. The beam transitions from a fixed horizontal position to a controlled downward pivot, allowing the system to adapt to excessive loads dynamically rather than failing statically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a controlled downward pivot path before the wall mount or wall can be damaged. The pivot mechanism preemptively redirects the excessive load through a safe downward motion, preventing the harmful effect of structural damage before it occurs.
2Device complexity
If a static wall mount is used, then the structure is simple, but ladder access is required for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains relative simplicity while improving accessibility by making the beam pivotable. This dynamic feature allows the beam to be easily lowered to a convenient working height for maintenance, then returned to its horizontal operating position, eliminating the need for ladder access while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
3Reliability
If the beam is made pivotable to prevent wall damage, then safety is improved, but the beam may unintentionally pivot under normal load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a weight bias that alters the pivot dynamics. The weighted component creates a restoring moment that counteracts gravitational torque during normal operation, maintaining beam stability. When overloaded, the excessive torque overcomes this weight bias, allowing controlled downward pivot while preventing unintentional movement under normal conditions.
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
The safety device effectively prevents damage to the wall and surrounding structures by allowing controlled downward movement of the beam or boom when overloaded, providing a cost-effective solution that reduces the risk of injury and maintains operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first structure is at least one elongate link that breaks when the downward force exceeding the threshold is applied to the beam
Implementation Method 2
The at least one beam-pivoting resisting element may be selected from (i) at least one chain-link element, (ii) at least one spring element, and (iii) at least one dashpot
Implementation Method 3
The at least one beam-pivoting resisting element may be selected from (i) at least one chain-link element, (ii) at least one spring element, and (iii) at least one dashpot
Implementation Method 4
In another form, the first structure comprises a shear pin and retainer assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device for a cantilevered beam pivotally mounted adjacent one end thereof to a support surface is adapted to bridge the beam and the support surface and is structured so that when coupled to the beam and support surface, the safety device maintains the beam in a substantially fixed cantilevered condition until a downward force exceeding a threshold is applied to the beam and thereafter controls downward pivoting of the beam.