Cylinder Lifting System with Deployable Support and Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for handling large cylindrical objects like hot water heaters are cumbersome, require multiple operators, lack adaptability, and pose safety risks due to manual lifting, leading to ergonomic injuries and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder lifting system with a dolly, deployable support, lifting mechanism, and securing strap, allowing for single-operator use and adaptable positioning to accommodate various cylinder sizes and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual lifting methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but operator safety and ergonomics deteriorate due to strain injuries and equipment damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dolly as an intermediary device between the operator and the heavy cylindrical object. The dolly includes a cradle that interfaces with the cylinder, a lifting mechanism with latch that secures the load, and a deployable support with wheels that facilitates movement. This intermediary system eliminates direct manual lifting by operators while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dolly systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate variations in cylinder size and installation environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through a deployable dolly support that can transition between closed and deployed positions, allowing the dolly to accommodate different cylinder sizes and installation environments. The multi-position axle guide enables the dolly axle to be positioned vertically and horizontally to suit various operational requirements. These dynamic features provide versatility without requiring completely different equipment for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly system is designed as a universal handling apparatus that can accommodate various cylindrical objects including hot water heaters, pressurized tanks, and fuel cylinders. The cradle design with adjustable positioning and the deployable support system enable the same device to handle different load sizes and configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
3Reliability
If rudimentary securing methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability deteriorates due to inadequate stabilization during lifting and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism includes a latch that secures the cylindrical load to the cradle before lifting begins. This preliminary securing action ensures the load is firmly attached and stabilized prior to any movement or lifting operation, preventing accidents and damage during the handling process.
4Productivity
If multiple operators are required, then manual effort per operator is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to coordination requirements and operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly system is designed to be self-sufficient in securing and transporting the cylindrical load without requiring multiple operators. The lifting mechanism with automatic latching capability and the stable deployable support system enable a single operator to safely handle heavy loads that traditionally required multiple people, thereby improving productivity through streamlined operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hot water lifting system, comprising a dolly having a dolly base, dolly support having one or more dolly support wheel positionable between a closed position and a deployed position, a multi-position axle guide, a lifting mechanism, one or more track adapted to interface with cradle wheels to permit the cradle wheels to move along the one or more track; a cradle adapted to movably interface with the dolly base and including cradle wheels adapted to interface with the one or more track, a foot mechanism having rotatable feet and means for rotating the rotatable feet, a means for securing the foot mechanism in a lifting position, a strap adapted to wrap around the cylinder, a cradle hold adapted to operably interface with the lifting mechanism latch, and vertical and angled supports adapted to extend the angled support forward of the cradle.