Multi-Directional Hoist Cart for Horizontal Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hoist apparatuses are limited to loading and unloading objects only in the vertical direction, restricting horizontal loading and unloading capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hoist apparatus with a travel unit and a cart unit that includes a body portion and drive wheels, allowing the cart unit to move horizontally along a rail, enabling horizontal loading and unloading by incorporating a guide member and drive motors for precise positioning and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier unit moves only in the vertical direction, then the structure is simple, but the loading and unloading capability is limited to vertical direction only
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist apparatus is divided into three independent movable units: travel unit (horizontal movement along rail), carrier unit (vertical movement), and cart unit (horizontal movement for loading). Each unit has its own drive system and movement freedom, allowing the object to be transported in multiple directions through coordinated operation of these segmented components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction (vertical) movement to multi-directional movement by adding horizontal movement capabilities through the cart unit and travel unit. The cart unit can move horizontally relative to the carrier unit, enabling loading in horizontal direction while the carrier unit handles vertical movement, thus adding dimensional freedom to the system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cart unit with drive wheels and motors is added for horizontal movement, then horizontal loading capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cart unit serves multiple functions: it provides horizontal movement for loading/unloading operations, supports the object during transfer, and can be positioned precisely through its drive system. The same cart unit structure is used whether for loading or unloading operations, making it a universal component that handles multiple operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the cart unit is coupled to the carrier unit, which itself is coupled to the travel unit. The cart unit can move horizontally relative to the carrier unit, while the carrier unit moves vertically relative to the travel unit. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple movement functions within a hierarchical structure
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
Enables stable and correct horizontal loading and unloading of objects, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of the hoist system by allowing movement in multiple directions.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor to generate power to rotate the drive wheel
Implementation Method 2
a first power transmission member connected between the drive wheel and the first drive motor to transmit power generated by the first drive motor to the drive wheel. The first power transmission member may include at least one power transmission belt.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hoist apparatus having an improved structure to load an object to be transported in a horizontal direction. The hoist apparatus includes a travel unit to travel along a rail, a carrier unit coupled to the travel unit so as to move in a first direction, and a cart unit coupled to the carrier unit so as to move in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the cart unit includes a body portion, in which an object to be transferred is located, and a drive portion to drive the body portion in the second direction.