Dual-Platform Casket Lift Mechanism for Flat, Low-Effort Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casket transport devices require complex mechanisms with steep inclines for loading, necessitating significant effort and are costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A casket transport mechanism featuring a vertically moving upper platform with minimal parts, supported by two posts, allowing for easy loading by maintaining a flat configuration relative to the lower platform and using a small incline ramp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper platform is tilted downward to receive caskets, then caskets can be loaded onto the upper platform, but the incline becomes very steep requiring great effort to push caskets uphill
Solution Approach 1:
The upper platform is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be tilted only when necessary for loading and then returned to a horizontal position. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing the needed incline temporarily during loading operations while maintaining a level surface during transport, thereby reducing the force required to move caskets.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the upper platform is changed from a permanently steep angle to a variable angle that can be adjusted as needed. By controlling the tilt angle parameter, the system achieves adequate loading capability while minimizing the steepness that would require excessive pushing force, thus resolving the contradiction between loading ease and force requirement.
2Ease of operation
If the upper platform is tilted at an angle with respect to the lower platform, then access for loading additional caskets is improved, but the mechanism becomes complicated with more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism is segmented into discrete, simple components rather than a complex continuous linkage system. By dividing the mechanism into separate functional segments (support structure, tilt actuator, platform), each can be designed and maintained independently, reducing overall complexity while preserving the angle adjustment capability needed for loading access.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex linkage system is extracted and replaced with a simpler mechanism. The patent removes unnecessary intermediate linkages and directly couples the tilting function to the support structure, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining the essential capability to tilt the upper platform for loading access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism with multiple moving parts is used for the upper platform, then the platform can tilt to receive caskets, but maintenance costs and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simpler, less expensive components for the tilting mechanism that may have limited service life but significantly reduce manufacturing costs. By using basic mechanical elements rather than precision-engineered durable components, the system achieves the required adaptability at a lower manufacturing cost, accepting that some parts may need replacement over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-regulating, requiring minimal external maintenance. The tilting mechanism uses passive mechanical elements that automatically return to their neutral position or engage safety features without requiring complex control systems or frequent servicing, thereby reducing both manufacturing and maintenance costs while preserving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A casket transport mechanism having a lower platform for the receipt of one or more caskets and an upper platform for the receipt of one or more caskets. A support structure supports the upper platform, which is cantilevered at the front end from the support structure. A lift mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper platform to move the upper platform along the support structure between a raised position and a lowered position. The upper platform remains substantially parallel to the lower platform as it moves between the raised and lowered positions. In this way, the upper platform can be lowered to facilitate loading caskets onto it, and then raised to its raised position to allow loading of caskets onto the lower platform.