Compact removable display hoist
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Solution Overview
Problem
The casino gaming industry faces challenges with large overhead displays that are difficult to mount and pose safety risks due to their size and weight, requiring cumbersome lifting systems that are awkward to transport and use in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact removable display hoist system that includes clamps and an actuator assembly to couple with telescoping support members, allowing for easy installation, removal, and transportation of overhead displays, enabling a single technician to raise or lower displays efficiently and safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation using a ladder is used to mount large overhead displays, then installation can be performed without specialized equipment, but it poses safety risks to technicians and is physically difficult due to the weight and size of displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable display hoist as an intermediary device between the technician and the heavy display. The hoist includes clamps that attach to the display and a lifting mechanism that raises the display to the overhead position, allowing the technician to operate from the ground rather than climbing a ladder, thereby eliminating fall risks while maintaining installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lifting system (technician physically lifting the display) with a motorized hoist system. The hoist uses a motor-driven winch or similar mechanical advantage system to lift the heavy display, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical assistance
2Force
If a small crane lift is used to raise displays to presentation level, then the lifting capability is sufficient, but the system becomes bulky and awkward to transport and utilize in confined casino spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hoist system into separate modular components: clamps that attach to the display, a lifting mechanism, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be compact and easily transported, yet they work together to provide sufficient lifting capability for heavy displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the hoist components are designed to store within each other when not in use. The clamps can be detached and stored within the hoist housing, and the entire system can be collapsed into a compact form factor that fits in standard equipment cases, enabling easy transport while maintaining full lifting capability
3Productivity
If large overhead displays are mounted at presentation level (7-10 feet from casino floor), then advertising effectiveness is maximized, but the effort and equipment required for mounting increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hoist system to be self-contained and self-operating. The motorized hoist automatically lifts the display to the required height, and the system includes its own control and safety features, eliminating the need for complex external mounting equipment or multiple technicians
Data Source
AI summary
A removable display hoist includes a first clamp configured to be removably coupled to a first portion of a telescoping support member, a second clamp configured to be removably coupled to a second portion of the telescoping support member, and an actuator assembly coupled between the first clamp and the second clamp, where the actuator assembly is configured to extend and retract the removable display hoist.