Compact Hoist System with Self-Contained Drum and Batten
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hoist systems are bulky and asymmetrical, leading to space inefficiencies in cramped environments and costly custom designs, especially in theatrical or performance settings where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, self-climbing hoist system with a motor and drum that winds cable, featuring a compact design with a batten that houses the motor and drum, allowing for a smaller diameter and efficient cable management through a slider mechanism that adjusts as the hoist moves between extended and retracted positions, and accommodating dual cables in a double-helical arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional hoist systems use fixed mechanics with external battens and asymmetrical enclosures, then the system provides structural support and cable management, but the system occupies excessive space and requires costly custom designs in cramped environments
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system is divided into modular components: a compact enclosure housing the motor and drum, a separate batten for cable support, and a cable management system with pulleys and guides. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in space-constrained environments without requiring custom integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor and drum are nested within the compact enclosure, which is then integrated with the batten structure. The cable management system components (pulleys, guides) are nested within the path between the drum and batten, maximizing space utilization and eliminating the need for external custom-fitted structures.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional hoist systems use fixed mechanics with external battens, then the system provides structural support, but the system loses valuable space in cramped environments
Solution Approach 1:
The batten is merged with the cable management system, serving dual functions as both structural support and cable guidance. The enclosure is merged with the motor and drum assembly, eliminating external mounting structures and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining structural integrity through integrated design.
3Volume of moving object
If the hoist system uses a compact design with integrated motor and drum, then the system reduces space occupancy, but the cable management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system uses dynamic components including a slider that moves along the batten to adjust cable routing, and pulleys that can rotate to accommodate cable tension changes. This dynamic adaptability allows the compact system to manage cables effectively without requiring complex fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Pulleys and cable guides serve as intermediary elements between the drum and the load, redirecting cables through optimized paths in the compact configuration. These intermediaries simplify cable management by providing fixed routing points that reduce the complexity of direct cable routing in space-constrained environments.
4Productivity
If the hoist system uses elongate members fixed to overhead structure with moving mechanics, then the system provides lifting capability, but the system requires costly custom designs and space in cramped environments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the mechanics to the overhead structure and having cables move, the invention inverts the approach by fixing the compact enclosure with motor and drum, and having the batten and load move relative to it. This inversion simplifies the manufacturing and installation process, eliminating costly custom overhead mounting requirements while maintaining full lifting capability.
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 solution provides a more compact and space-efficient hoist system that reduces costs and complexity in installation and design, while maintaining reliability and strength, allowing for flexible use in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a drum around which winds lifting or support cable
Implementation Method 2
A self-contained, self-climbing hoist system with a motor and drum
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A hoist system having a drum primarily self-contained within a batten, for raising and lowering lighting, sound equipment, curtains and the like in a performance environment. The hoist system may be adapted with safety mechanisms including an overload sensor and/or a slack line detector. The system may be provided in the form of a point hoist. The compact system is highly scalable to a variety of spaces and applications, including school and public theaters and concert halls, as well as some homes, private business, etc. Additional features include various cable management systems and trim adjustment mechanisms for use with the hoist system.