Fenestration Lowering Device With Hydraulic Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for lowering fenestration products from delivery vehicles are inefficient and pose a risk of damage or injury due to the use of equipment not designed for this purpose, which can be slow and requires manual assistance.
Innovation Solution
A fenestration-lowering device with a frame, a support platform that moves between raised and lowered orientations, and a hydraulic lowering mechanism, along with a spring return mechanism, allowing for controlled and safe lowering and raising of fenestration products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forklift and/or lift gate equipment is used to lower fenestration products, then the fenestration product can be lowered from the delivery vehicle, but the process becomes slow and risks damaging the fenestration product
Solution Approach 1:
The lowering device is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, with the support platform automatically lowering the fenestration product using an integrated hydraulic mechanism. The system serves itself by having the platform descend under controlled hydraulic action, eliminating the need for external forklift or lift gate equipment, thereby achieving both fast operation and damage-free handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lowering equipment (forklift, lift gate) with a purpose-built mechanical lowering device featuring a support platform and hydraulic mechanism. This specialized system is designed specifically for fenestration products, providing controlled, damage-free lowering while operating independently without requiring external heavy equipment.
2Reliability
If forklift and/or lift gate equipment is used to lower fenestration products, then the fenestration product can be lowered from the delivery vehicle, but manual assistance is required which poses injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The lowering device operates autonomously with the support platform self-lowering via hydraulic mechanism. Operators simply position the platform and activate the lowering function; no manual guidance or physical assistance is needed during the critical lowering phase, eliminating injury risks associated with manual handling while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support platform acts as an intermediary between the delivery vehicle and the fenestration product. It provides a stable, controlled interface that eliminates direct human contact with the heavy product during lowering, while the hydraulic mechanism serves as a mediator that controls the descent smoothly without requiring manual intervention.
3Productivity
If equipment not designed for maneuvering fenestration is used, then lowering can be achieved, but the process is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lowering device is designed as a universal solution that can handle various fenestration products (windows, doors, vents) of different sizes and weights. The support platform and hydraulic mechanism provide a standardized interface that works across multiple product types, achieving high productivity without requiring complex, product-specific equipment for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the lowering function into distinct components: a support platform for carrying the product, a hydraulic mechanism for controlled descent, and a frame structure for stability. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall efficiency while keeping individual components relatively simple rather than requiring one complex monolithic 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 device enables efficient and safe lowering of fenestration products, reducing the risk of injury and damage, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and providing a cost-effective solution for handling heavy products without requiring a power source.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic lowering mechanism configured to move the support platform
Implementation Method 2
a spring return mechanism configured to move the support platform from the lowered orientation to the raised orientation
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of a fenestration-lowering device and a method for using a fenestration-lowering device are disclosed. The fenestration-lowering device can include a frame; a support platform configured to move relative to the frame; and a hydraulic lowering mechanism configured to move the support platform. The method for using the fenestration-lowering device can include providing a hydraulic lowering mechanism for moving a support platform of the fenestration-lowering device from a raised orientation to a lowered orientation; setting a fenestration product on the support platform in the raised orientation; activating the hydraulic lowering mechanism to move the support platform from the raised orientation to the lowered orientation; and removing the fenestration product from the support platform.