Hitch Mount Pulley Layout for Lower Cantilever Hoist Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch mounts for capstan hoists in the telecom and utility field suffer from excessive cantilever forces, potential unintentional vehicle movement, and rope overwrapping issues due to unrestricted fleet angles, posing safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A hitch mount design featuring a main member with a pulley and rope lock system that reduces cantilever forces by redirecting load lines closer to the hitch receiver and prevents rope overwrapping through a vertically oriented capstan hoist and a pulley assembly with a rotatable pulley housing and a cam-based rope lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hitch mount is used to mount capstan hoists, then the hoist can be mounted to the vehicle, but excessive cantilever forces are created that may exceed hitch receiver design and cause unintentional vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch mount device acts as an intermediary between the vehicle hitch receiver and the capstan hoist. It includes a main member with a proximal end that couples to the hitch receiver and a distal end with a hoist mounting bracket, creating a structured connection that controls force distribution and reduces excessive cantilever forces on the hitch receiver.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing mounts are used without angle restriction, then the hoist can operate freely, but the rope can overwrap the drum and bind up creating dangerous circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist mounting bracket is configured to retain the hoist in a vertical orientation before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures proper rope routing and prevents overwrapping of the drum, eliminating the need for operator intervention to correct binding issues during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the hoist is mounted on existing hitch mounts, then the hoist can be positioned for operation, but the operator must stand in an awkward position with little room to move
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist mounting bracket retains the hoist in a vertical orientation, utilizing the vertical dimension to improve operator accessibility. This vertical positioning allows the operator to stand in a more comfortable position with adequate room to move, compared to horizontal or restricted mounting configurations.
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 solution enhances operational safety and ease by minimizing cantilever forces and preventing rope binding, allowing for secure and efficient capstan hoist operation with improved operator positioning and reduced risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a pulley mounted on the main member between the proximal end and the distal end
Implementation Method 2
The rope lock cam may include a surface facing the upper portion of the housing having a plurality of protrusions. The rope lock cam may be biased in a locked position by a spring.
Implementation Method 3
the rope lock includes a drum and a rotatable cam defining a space for receiving a rope therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch mount for a hoist including a main member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to couple with a vehicle hitch, a hoist mounting bracket at the distal end of the main member, a pulley mounted on the main member between the proximal end and the distal end, and a rope lock mounted on the main member between the pulley and the distal end.