Lifting Column Safety Device for Incorrect Module Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting systems lack the ability to verify the correct assembly of individual modules in a bearing column, leading to potential detachment and falls, compromising safety during assembly, disassembly, and operational use.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a support element and traction elements that exert a traction force on the bearing column, using a driver element to maintain contact and a command element to open an electrical safety contact when the traction element moves out of position, preventing power supply to the motor and stopping the lifting apparatus if incorrect assembly is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular columns are used to facilitate assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased probability of incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device performs preliminary verification of module assembly correctness before the lifting apparatus operates. The traction element and command element are positioned to detect improper module attachment in advance, preventing operation with incorrectly assembled modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The command element provides immediate feedback by opening the electrical safety contact when improper assembly is detected. This feedback mechanism prevents the motor from operating unless the module is correctly assembled, creating a closed-loop safety system.
2Reliability
If locking systems detect absence of column and stop motor, then safety is improved, but the system cannot detect incorrect assembly of present modules
Solution Approach 1:
The traction element acts as an intermediary between the module and the command element. It transmits the mechanical state of module assembly (correct or incorrect) to the command element, which then controls the electrical safety contact. This intermediary mechanism enables detection of assembly correctness rather than just presence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent assembly and disassembly occurs to reposition lifting systems, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to human error in assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device enables self-verification of assembly correctness. The modular system with standardized interfaces allows the lifting apparatus to automatically check whether a module is properly assembled through the traction element's mechanical interaction, reducing dependence on human operators to correctly assemble modules each time the system is repositioned.
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 the correct assembly of bearing column modules by preventing the lifting apparatus from continuing its travel when modules are not properly attached, thereby enhancing safety during assembly, disassembly, and operational use.
Implementation Method 1
a driver element connected at one end thereof with the traction element and configured to exert a traction force on the traction element toward the sustaining element
Implementation Method 2
The driver element is configured to exert a traction force on the arm toward the sustaining element
Implementation Method 3
The arm is maintained into pressure contact, by means of a spring device, on a mast on which a goods hoist
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device is described that can be used on a column or a segment of a column which functions as a support of a lifting apparatus, such as a goods hoist or an elevator or a work platform, used on a construction site. Furthermore, the safety device can be used in combination with the lifting apparatus mounted on the column or the segment of a column. In addition, the safety device can be used in all vertical constructions that are modularly mounted from the bottom upward.