Inverted Telescoping Mast With Cable Tension Overtravel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping masts lack efficient mechanisms to prevent overtravel during retraction and ensure smooth operation, particularly when supporting payloads on ceilings or other structures, and do not effectively manage cable tension to prevent abrupt stops or damage.
Innovation Solution
An inverted telescoping mast with a spring assembly and cable tension control system that includes sensors to manage cable tension, preventing overtravel and ensuring smooth operation by restricting motor function when tension thresholds are exceeded or insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable tension control system with sensors is added to prevent overtravel and ensure smooth operation, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tension control system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor cable tension levels and provide feedback to the control system. When tension exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system automatically restricts motor operation to prevent overtravel and ensure smooth operation, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical overtravel prevention mechanisms with an electromechanical control system that uses sensors and electronic control logic. This substitution allows for more precise and reliable tension monitoring while enabling programmable response strategies that adapt to different operating conditions
2Ease of operation
If the spring assembly is configured to prevent abrupt stops during retraction, then operation smoothness is improved, but the complexity of the tension control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is pre-configured to engage and provide cushioning force before abrupt stops can occur during retraction. This beforehand cushioning mechanism absorbs excess energy and gradually decelerates the telescoping sections, ensuring smooth operation without requiring complex real-time control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the cable tension control system and the telescoping tube sections. It mediates the transition from tensioned cable to restrained payload, providing a gradual decoupling effect that smooths out abrupt stops while keeping the control system architecture relatively simple
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 prevents abrupt stops during retraction, maintains smooth operation, and protects against overtravel, enhancing the reliability and safety of telescoping masts supporting payloads.
Implementation Method 1
The spring assembly is configured to prevent or reduce an abrupt stop during retraction
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
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
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.