Focus Track Carrier Assembly for Ground-Level Chair Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional focus track systems require operators to climb ladders and perform complex maneuvers at height for installation and operation, limiting accessibility and safety, especially in emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A focus track system that allows operators to access and control the focus chair from ground level, featuring a carrier assembly with integrated ascent and fall protection, enabling traversal at any trim height and facilitating easier rescue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators climb ladders and perform maneuvers at height to access the track, then the track can be accessed for operation and maintenance, but installation time increases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring operators to climb up to the track level for access and operation, the system inverts the approach by providing ground-level access points. The carrier assembly can be loaded and operated from the ground, eliminating the need for operators to ascend ladders or perform maneuvers at height, thereby reducing both installation time and safety risks.
2Ease of operation
If operators climb ladders and perform complex maneuvers at height, then the focus chair can be accessed, but safety risks increase especially in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to access and operate the focus chair from ground level rather than requiring them to climb to track height. The carrier assembly provides a stable platform that can be positioned and controlled from the ground, eliminating the need for dangerous maneuvers at height and significantly improving operator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly acts as an intermediary between the ground and the focus chair. It provides a stable, controllable platform that can be positioned at the required height while allowing operators to remain on the ground during operation, thus mediating the safety risks associated with direct access at height.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tracks are used for different trim positions, then operators can traverse at different heights, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed tracks at different heights, the system employs a single track with a dynamically adjustable carrier assembly. The carrier can be positioned and locked at various heights along the track, providing the versatility of multiple tracks while maintaining the simplicity of a single track structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single track system serves multiple functions by allowing the carrier assembly to operate at different heights along its length. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized tracks, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for traversal at different heights.
4Ease of operation
If operators must be at track height to traverse, then horizontal movement is possible, but rescue becomes difficult in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly serves as an intermediary that enables horizontal traversal while maintaining ground-level accessibility. Operators can be transported horizontally along the track at the required height while the carrier itself remains accessible from the ground, facilitating easy rescue operations without requiring operators to be positioned at difficult-to-reach heights.
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
Enhances installation efficiency, improves operator safety by eliminating the need for high-risk maneuvers, and allows for emergency rescue from any accessible location along the track.
Implementation Method 1
a first pulley assembly coupled to one end of the track and a second pulley assembly coupled to an opposite end of the track. The first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are aligned with one another. The system includes a carrier assembly operably coupled with the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly via a first line
Data Source
AI summary
A focus track system is disclosed. The system includes a track having a channel disposed along a length of the track. The system includes a first pulley assembly coupled to one end of the track and a second pulley assembly coupled to an opposite end of the track. The first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are aligned with one another. The system includes a carrier assembly operably coupled with the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly via a first line. The carrier assembly is configured to travel along the length of the channel. The system includes a focus chair operably coupled to the carrier assembly via a pulley assembly and a second line, such that the focus chair is configured to travel in a direction perpendicular to the length of the track.