Vehicle Hoist Mast Pivot Dynamics and Leveling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted hoist systems face challenges in safely lifting and lowering objects on non-level surfaces, are inaccessible to users with disabilities, and lack robustness and safety mechanisms to prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
A lift assembly with a pivotable mast and boom system, coupled with a gear arrangement and jacks, that can adjust to level positions on non-level surfaces, and is designed for easy operation by users with disabilities, featuring a control device for remote operation and safety features like a worm gear arrangement to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hoist device is mounted on a vehicle roof to lift objects, then objects can be lifted onto the vehicle roof, but the boom swings unpredictably on non-level surfaces causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the support members using actuators to maintain the boom in a horizontal position regardless of vehicle orientation. The control system continuously monitors and adjusts the support member positions to compensate for non-level surfaces, ensuring predictable and safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives feedback about the vehicle's orientation and support member positions, then automatically adjusts the actuators to maintain proper boom levelness. This closed-loop control ensures the boom remains horizontal even when the vehicle is on uneven terrain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual hoist device is used, then the device can be operated without power, but users with disabilities cannot access or operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation system is replaced with an automated electrical system. Motors drive the winches and actuators, eliminating the need for manual cranking or handling. Users with disabilities can operate the system through simple electrical switches or remote controls rather than physical mechanical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the heavy lifting and positioning operations automatically without requiring physical human effort. The motors and control system handle all the work of lifting objects and adjusting the boom position, making the system accessible to users regardless of their physical strength or mobility.
3Length of moving object
If the mast pivots through a large angular displacement, then the boom can reach higher positions, but the structure experiences increased stress and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The support members dynamically adjust to provide optimal support angles for the mast during its range of motion. By actively controlling the support member positions, the system distributes stresses more evenly across the structure, reducing fatigue on the mast and pivot points while enabling the full 90+ degree rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the support members and their actuators to counterbalance the weight and forces acting on the mast during operation. This reduces the net stress on the mast structure and pivot points, allowing for greater angular displacement without compromising structural integrity.
4Ease of operation
If the hoist device is placed on the vehicle roof, then it can lift objects, but it is not accessible to users with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the user and the hoist mechanisms. Users with disabilities can operate the system through accessible interfaces such as remote controls or switches located within easy reach, while the control system reliably manages the complex mechanical operations and safety functions.
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 system ensures safe and predictable operation on non-level surfaces, is accessible to users with disabilities, and reduces the risk of material fatigue and accidents through robust design and safety mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
At least one gear arrangement is coupled between the at least one support member and the mast proximal end
Implementation Method 2
The mast is pivotable relative to the at least one support member about an axis parallel with the plane through an angular displacement greater than 90 degrees. A boom is pivotably coupled with the mast proximate the mast distal end
Data Source
AI summary
Lift assemblies and methods of operating same. A lift assembly for a vehicle includes at least one support member having a longitudinal axis lying on a plane and which is configured for attachment to the vehicle. A mast having a proximal end, a distal end, and a mast axis is pivotably coupled with the at least one support member at the mast proximal end. At least one gear arrangement is coupled between the at least one support member and the mast proximal end. The mast is pivotable relative to the at least one support member about an axis parallel with the plane through an angular displacement greater than 90 degrees. A boom is pivotably coupled with the mast proximate the mast distal end, and a first lift line is coupled with the boom.