Inverted Telescoping Mast With Spring-Cushioned Cable Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescoping masts used for supporting equipment in buildings lack efficient mechanisms to control cable tension, leading to abrupt stops and potential damage during retraction, especially when the payload is heavy or when there are obstructions.
Innovation Solution
An inverted telescoping mast with a cable tension control system that includes a cable carriage and sensors to restrict motor operation based on cable tension thresholds, preventing over-tension or under-tension conditions, and a spring assembly to absorb payload weight and prevent overtravel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a cable-driven telescoping mast is used to support heavy payloads, then the payload capacity is improved, but the risk of abrupt stops and damage during retraction increases due to cable over-tension
Solution Approach 1:
A spring assembly is integrated into the cable-driven telescoping mast to absorb excess cable tension during retraction. The spring acts as a cushioning element that prevents abrupt stops and potential damage when the mast encounters obstructions or reaches its retraction limit, while still supporting heavy payloads through the cable mechanism.
2Reliability
If a cable tension control system with sensors is added to the mast, then the reliability is improved by preventing over-tension, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cable tension control system incorporating sensors is implemented to monitor cable tension levels during mast operation. The sensors provide feedback to a control mechanism that can restrict motor operation when tension exceeds safe thresholds, preventing over-tension damage while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through straightforward sensor-motor integration.
3Reliability
If the mast is designed to stop short during retraction to prevent overtravel, then the reliability is improved, but the spring assembly becomes stretched and may cause abrupt stops
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is strategically positioned and pre-configured to engage before the mast reaches its full retraction limit. By designing the spring to begin compressing in advance of complete retraction, the system prevents overtravel while the cable tension control system monitors and restricts motor operation to ensure the spring operates within safe tension ranges, avoiding harmful abrupt stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tension control system acts as an intermediary between the motor and the spring assembly. It monitors spring tension levels and restricts motor operation when thresholds are exceeded, mediating the interaction between the motor-driven retraction and the spring's cushioning action to prevent harmful abrupt stops while maintaining reliable overtravel prevention.
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
Ensures smooth operation and prevents damage by controlling the retraction and extension of the mast, maintaining a stable payload position and reducing the risk of abrupt stops due to cable tension management.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly supported by the at least one telescoping tube section. The spring assembly can be tensioned by the actuating cable when the actuation cable is in tension
Implementation Method 2
a cable tension control system configured to restrict operation of the motor in response to a level of tension in the actuating cable
Data Source
AI summary
An inverted telescoping mast configured to be mounted to a ceiling or other structure within a building for supporting a payload at a range of heights within the building. The mast can include cable management for routing of cables external the mast for supplying/exchanging power, control signals, data etc. to the payload. An internal spring retains the mast in the retracted position. A tension control system restricts extension and/or retraction of the mast when actuating cable tension is above or below respective tension thresholds.