Lift Mast Collision Control Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lifting mast collision control systems are needed to prevent damage to lifts and loads from overhead obstructions during operation, as operator errors can cause collisions with overhead fixtures or equipment.

Innovation Solution

A collision control apparatus is integrated into the lift device, featuring a head that displaces between neutral and safe positions in response to encountering objects, disabling the lifting direction movement while enabling lowering direction movement to prevent collisions, utilizing a spring bias and linkage assembly to shield the mast from impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lifting mast is operated near overhead obstructions, then the lift can access more work areas, but the risk of collision with overhead fixtures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework area accessibilityVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collision control apparatus is positioned above the lifting mast to detect overhead obstructions before the mast can collide with them. The apparatus preemptively triggers the safety mechanism that disables lifting motion when an obstruction is detected, preventing the harmful collision before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collision control apparatus acts as an intermediary safety device between the lifting mast and overhead obstructions. It monitors the space above the mast and mediates by signaling the drive assembly to stop lifting motion when potential collisions are detected, thus protecting both the mast and the load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the drive assembly is disabled in the lifting direction upon head contact, then collision damage is prevented, but the lifting operation is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidlifting operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The head contact with the obstruction, which would normally cause damage, is converted into a beneficial safety signal. The contact triggers the switch mechanism that disables the lifting direction, transforming a harmful collision event into a protective action that prevents further damage to the mast and load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The collision control apparatus provides feedback to the drive assembly through the switch mechanism. When the head encounters an obstruction and moves to the contact position, this physical state is converted into an electrical signal that feedbacks to the drive assembly, causing it to disable lifting motion and enable only lowering motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the head is positioned to cover the top of the lifting mast, then the mast is protected from direct contact, but the head itself becomes vulnerable to impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemast protectionVSAvoidhead impact vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The head serves as an intermediary protective element that absorbs or deflects impact forces before they reach the lifting mast. By positioning the head above the mast to cover its top, the head takes the brunt of any overhead obstruction contact, protecting the more critical mast structure from direct damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The head acts as a preliminary cushioning element above the lifting mast. It is positioned to intercept and absorb impact forces from overhead obstructions before these forces can transmit to the mast. The head's sacrificial positioning provides beforehand protection, cushioning the mast against direct contact with harmful objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively prevents lifting mast collisions with overhead obstructions by disabling the lifting direction and enabling the lowering direction, thus safeguarding the lift and load from damage and ensuring safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

A bias is applied to the head tending to bias the head from the safe position to the neutral position. The bias is supplied by at least one spring interacting between the head and the lifting mast.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9415985B1Method for lifting with mast collision control apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 SERVERLIFT LLC

AI summary

A lift device includes a lifting mast having a top, and a drive assembly for moving the lifting mast in lifting and lowering directions. A head is positioned above and over the top of the lifting mast, and is mounted to the lifting mast for displacement between a neutral position and a safe position with respect to the lifting mast in response to the head contact encountering an object above the top of the lifting mast and the head. The drive assembly is enabled for moving of the lifting mast in the lifting and lowering directions in the neutral position of the head, the drive assembly is enabled for moving the lifting mast in the lowering direction in the safe position of the head, and the drive assembly is disabled for moving the lifting mast in the lifting direction in the safe position of the head.