Chain Hoist Sensor Limiter for Precise Lifting Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain hoists in theatre and similar applications lack precision in lifting objects to accurate heights, leading to potential damage and safety risks due to inaccurate height estimation.
Innovation Solution
A chain hoist with an adjustable and lockable limiter member equipped with a detectable sensor, which communicates with the actuator to stop the hoist at a predetermined distance, ensuring precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual estimation is used to determine lifting height, then the operation is simple and quick, but the positioning precision is poor leading to potential damage and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual estimation method with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensor detection member detects the detectable sensor on the limiter member to automatically determine when the lifting height is reached, eliminating the need for visual estimation and improving precision without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the hoist system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor detection member as an intermediary between the limiter member and the actuator arrangement. This intermediary component detects the position of the limiter member and triggers the stopping command, serving as a mediator that translates physical position into control action and enables precise positioning without direct mechanical coupling.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor detection system is added to achieve precise positioning, then lifting height precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into separate functional components: a limiter member with a detectable sensor that can be independently manufactured and attached to the hoist chain, and a sensor detection member that is separately manufactured and installed on the hoist body. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using standard manufacturing processes and simplifies assembly and retrofitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detection member is designed to work with the actuator arrangement that already exists in the hoist system, utilizing the existing control infrastructure. The detectable sensor on the limiter member can be detected by various types of sensor detection members, making the system adaptable and reducing the need for custom-built integrated solutions.
3Measurement precision
If the limiter member is made adjustable and lockable for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The limiter member is designed to be self-adjusting through the interaction between the detectable sensor and the sensor detection member. As the hoist operates, the limiter member automatically reaches the correct position where the sensor is detected, and the system self-locks at this position without requiring manual intervention for positioning or locking adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiter member is pre-configured with a detectable sensor at a specific position along the hoist chain. Before operation, the desired lifting height is predetermined by positioning the limiter member at the appropriate location. During operation, the system automatically executes the positioning function without requiring real-time manual adjustment, simplifying the operational process.
Data Source
AI summary
A chain hoist includes a body; a hoist chain passing through the body; through-holes in the body for the hoist chain; and an actuator arrangement for operating the chain hoist, the actuator being used for moving the hoist chain through said through-holes in a lifting or lowering direction of the chain hoist, and on the side of at least one through-hole the portion of the hoist chain moving outside the body is provided with a limiter member whose position in the longitudinal direction of the hoist chain is adjustable, the limiter member being provided with a detectable sensor; and a sensor detection member is provided in the vicinity of said through-hole to detect the detectable sensor at a predetermined distance.