Diving Board Lifter With Lead Screw And Locking Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diving board lifters lack effective mechanical safety mechanisms to securely lift and stow heavy diving boards, posing challenges in multipurpose pool areas where the board needs to be moved out of the way for other events.
Innovation Solution
A board lifter system with a fulcrum assembly, rear anchor, and alignment rod, featuring a lead screw mechanism and locking pin for secure adjustment between lowered and raised positions, ensuring the diving board can be safely lifted and stowed using a base, board support member, and lift mechanism that includes a pivot shaft and extension shaft for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanized lifting device is placed below the diving board to facilitate lifting, then the board can be lifted out of the way, but the device lacks effective mechanical safety mechanisms to securely hold the board in the raised position
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism is pre-configured with threaded engagement between the screw and nut, creating built-in mechanical resistance to unintended movement. The locking pin is designed to be inserted into predetermined alignment holes at the raised position, providing preliminary safety preparation before the board is fully lifted
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw mechanism provides continuous mechanical resistance throughout the lifting range, cushioning against sudden drops or unintended movements. The locking pin engages with alignment holes to provide redundant safety backup, cushioning against failure of the lead screw mechanism alone
2Strength
If the diving board is made heavy for structural integrity, then it can support diving loads, but it requires more force and complex mechanical advantage systems to lift it
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism converts rotational force into linear lifting force through mechanical advantage provided by the thread pitch. The threaded engagement creates a self-locking effect where the screw resists backward movement, reducing the force needed to hold the heavy board in the raised position
Solution Approach 2:
The manual tipping method is replaced with a lead screw mechanical system that provides controlled lifting through rotational-to-linear motion conversion. This substitution allows a single operator to lift the heavy board safely without requiring multiple people or complex pulley systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting device is designed with adjustable lift mechanisms, then the board can be positioned at different heights, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift mechanism is designed with dynamic adjustability through the lead screw and carriage system, allowing continuous position adjustment along the rod. The mechanism transitions from a fixed-position system to a dynamically adjustable one, enabling the board to be positioned at various heights for different event requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable lift mechanism serves multiple functions: it can hold the board at the raised position for non-diving events, lower the board for diving events, and provide mechanical advantage throughout the range of motion. The lead screw mechanism universally handles both lifting and positioning functions in a single integrated system
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 system provides reliable mechanical safety for lifting and stowing the diving board, allowing for efficient conversion between dive and raised positions, ensuring the board is securely out of the way for non-diving events while maintaining operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
The lift comprises a lead screw mechanism for selectively adjusting the lift between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration
Implementation Method 2
the base, the carriage, the pivot arm, and the pivot shaft form a linkage configured to pivot the pivot shaft about the shaft tilt axis as the carriage moves along the lead screw
Implementation Method 3
the lift presses the board support member against the traction material to lift the diving board from the dive position to the raised position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A diving board lifter and diving board assemblies for lifting a board to a raised position and lowering the board to a dive position. The lifter can mount between a fulcrum assembly and a rear anchor and along an alignment rod of a diving board stand. The lifter can include redundant primary and secondary mechanical safeties for locking the board in a raised position. The lifter can employ a lead screw that moves a linkage including a carriage, a pivot arm, and a pivot shaft to raise and lower the board. An extension shaft can be retracted when the lift is lowered so that a board support member of the lift is spaced below the board. The diving board assembly can include a fulcrum roller and traction material on the board for roller engagement. The lift can press the board support member against the traction material to lift the board.