Spring-Loaded Hoist Support Assembly Against Sudden Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoists, particularly telescopic hoists, are prone to sudden collapse when hydraulic pressure is released, posing a risk of severe injury or death due to the uncontrolled lowering of the load.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental support system comprising a bracket, pin, spring, and pin handle is integrated into the hoist to prevent collapse by maintaining the upper and lower arms in an extended position even when hydraulic pressure is lost, using a spring-loaded pin to lock the arms in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure is released from the lifting portion of the hoist, then the lower and upper frames can lower and begin to collapse, but this sudden collapse can result in severe injury or death
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental support system is activated before hydraulic pressure is released to prevent sudden collapse. The pin is positioned in advance within the opening, and the spring is pre-loaded to provide immediate support, ensuring that when hydraulic pressure is released, the hoist lowers in a controlled manner rather than collapsing suddenly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded in the supplemental support system. When hydraulic pressure is released, the spring gradually absorbs the energy of the lowering frames, preventing sudden collapse and providing a controlled, cushioned descent that eliminates the harmful sudden movement.
2Reliability
If a supplemental support system with pin and spring is added to prevent collapse, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental support system is segmented into distinct, simple components: a pin, a spring, and mounting structures. Each component performs a specific function independently, making the system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain while providing the necessary safety function to prevent hoist collapse.
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 supplemental support system effectively prevents the hoist from collapsing, ensuring the stability and safety of the load by maintaining its position even in the absence of hydraulic pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is an open coil helical compression spring. The spring surrounds a portion of the pin. With this configuration, legs of the bracket are coupled to the outside portion of the lower arm such that the bracket legs straddle the pin positioned in the pin through opening and the spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly comprises a bracket, a blocking member, and a spring. The blocking member is adapted to slidingly move within a through opening of a support member. The blocking member is adapted to be selectively moved from a supporting position to a non-supporting position. The spring is adapted to bias the blocking member towards the non-supporting position. In certain embodiments, the bracket is adapted to retain the blocking member at least partially within the through opening when the bracket is mounted to a hoist. In certain embodiments, the blocking member comprises a handle comprising a pin axially aligned within a compression spring and the bracket comprises a notch adapted to receive the handle.