Chain-Driven Telescopic Mast for Jam-Free Board Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate lifting devices are unsafe due to cable wear and breakage, noisy, require two-handed operation, and are cumbersome, with issues of jamming and slow operation.
Innovation Solution
A cable-free lifting mechanism using a telescopic mast with three segments and a chain-driven system, operated by a single electric motor with ergonomic controls, ensuring smooth and rapid ascent/descent, and incorporating safety features like force sensors and limit switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable pulley system with winch is used for lifting, then the lifting mechanism can be operated, but the device becomes noisy (87 dB) and creates safety risks due to cable wear and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cable-pulley-winch mechanical system with a direct motor-driven lifting mechanism. The motor (21) is directly coupled to the lifting assembly through a transmission mechanism, eliminating the need for cables, pulleys, and winches. This substitution removes the noise source (cable friction and pulley rotation) while improving safety by eliminating cable wear and breakage risks.
2Ease of operation
If a hybrid mechanism with rack and pinion is used, then the device is quieter and safer, but it requires two-handed operation and complex emergency brake management
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is designed with automatic safety features that eliminate the need for manual emergency brake management. The motor-driven system includes automatic reversal functionality and mechanical stops that prevent over-travel, allowing the operator to simply activate the lift without continuously monitoring or manually managing safety devices. The system serves itself by automatically managing its own safety and operation.
3Productivity
If a worm gear system is used for motorized operation, then the lifting can be motorized, but the device becomes heavy and large due to motor size and offset positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor assembly directly with the mast structure, positioning the motor (21) at the top of the mast rather than offset from it. This integration eliminates the need for long drive shafts and complex transmission arrangements, significantly reducing the overall device weight and size while maintaining motorized lifting capability. The motor and mast become a unified structural element.
4Speed
If the thread pitch of the worm gear is increased for rapid ascent, then the lifting speed improves, but the contact area between worm gear and bearing-nut becomes too small causing fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the worm gear and bearing-nut threaded connection system with a direct motor-driven lifting mechanism. This substitution eliminates the thread pitch compromise entirely, as the new system uses a direct drive arrangement where the motor (21) couples directly to the lifting assembly through a transmission mechanism, allowing rapid lifting speeds without sacrificing structural strength through inadequate contact area.
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 mechanism provides a safe, quiet, reliable, and compact solution that can be operated single-handedly, with rapid and precise panel positioning, reducing the risk of injury and improving handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
un known electric motor (21), the shaft (31) of which is coupled to a control shaft (31)
Implementation Method 2
a chain (20) arranged inside said fixed segment and forming a loop in mesh around a first sprocket (121) arranged at an upper end of said fixed segment and around a second sprocket (122) arranged at a lower end of said fixed segment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention proposes a safe, easy-to-handle, quiet, and fast plate-lifting mechanism that ensures smooth raising and lowering without risk of jamming. The device comprises a telescopic mast with three segments (12), a chain (20) arranged inside the fixed segment (12) around two sprockets (121-122), one of which is driven by a motor, and a lower end of the terminal moving segment being fixed to the chain (20). The segments have respective drive stops so that the mast extends and retracts according to the rotation of the chain.