Foldable Davit Crane with Automated Winch Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-bearing structural frames are often cumbersome and require manual intervention for assembly and adjustment, posing safety risks and lacking adaptability and convenience, especially when designed for permanent static use.

Innovation Solution

A fully foldable and storable structural frame with electrically powered or hydraulic mechanisms that allows for automated deployment and collapse, enabling 360-degree rotation and secure storage, minimizing human effort and eliminating the need for manual securing pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is used for assembly and adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but safety risks increase and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated winch system that uses a line to lift and position the boom. The winch mechanism automatically raises the boom from a horizontal transport position to a vertical operational position, eliminating the need for manual lifting and securing operations, thereby improving safety while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The structural frame system is designed to self-deploy and self-stow through the automated winch mechanism. The boom automatically raises itself to the vertical position and secures itself without requiring external manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient and improving both safety and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If permanent static design is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedeployabilityVSAvoidpermanent structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic design where the boom can transition between horizontal and vertical positions, and the entire structure can be collapsed and deployed as needed. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for different operational requirements while using standardized components that maintain manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The structural frame is divided into separable components including the base, mast, boom, and winch assembly that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard precision while the overall system gains adaptability through modular assembly and deployment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If automated mechanisms are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The winch mechanism serves multiple functions: it winds and pays out the line, lifts the boom to the vertical position, and can potentially lower it back down. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the lifting, positioning, and securing functions into a single automated winch operation. The winch mechanism integrates the line management, boom lifting, and position maintenance functions, simplifying the control system and reducing operational complexity despite adding automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If foldable design is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidfold mechanism precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable capability is achieved by segmenting the structure into the base, mast, and boom components that can be independently positioned and connected. The standardized connection interfaces between segments allow for precise assembly without requiring extremely tight tolerances, maintaining manufacturing feasibility while enabling foldable adaptability for storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240025711A1Deployable and fully foldable davit crane

Publication Date: 2024.01.25 MATTOLI ALESSIO

AI summary

A folding structural frame is disclosed, including, a base and a first structural member coupled to the base at a bottom end and extending in a substantially vertical direction when in an operable configuration. A second structural member is coupled to a top end of the first structural member and extending in a substantially horizontal direction when in an operable configuration. An elongated member extends through the second structural member and operable to be removably coupled with an item to be moved by the folding structural frame.