Portable Light Tower Scissors Lift Nesting and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable light towers lack compact storage and shipping features, requiring multiple vehicles for transportation and limited by the size of trailers due to non-exchangeable mast sections and lack of nesting or stacking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable light tower employing a scissors lift mechanism with a linear actuator, allowing for compact storage and shipping, featuring a stackable frame with outriggers for stabilization and a generator/engine assembly that eliminates the weight of a conventional bedplate, enabling multiple towers to be stacked and transported efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional telescoping mast sections are used, then the light tower can extend to sufficient height, but the unit becomes too large for compact storage and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the retracted scissor mechanism and light bar assembly inside the housing when not in use. The housing serves as an container that fully encloses the mast components during storage, allowing compact transport without requiring large trailers or multiple vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic scissor mechanism that transitions from a compact retracted state to an extended elevated state. The scissor links pivot and expand outward to raise the light bar to working height, then collapse back into the housing for storage, providing both height extension and compactness at different operational phases.
2Productivity
If multiple light towers are transported on a single large flatbed trailer, then shipping efficiency improves, but the trailer size and cost increase due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light tower units can be nested one inside another or stacked vertically due to their compact housing design. This allows several units to occupy the space of a single unit when transported, enabling multiple towers to be shipped on smaller trailers or in fewer vehicles without increasing trailer area.
Solution Approach 2:
The light tower is segmented into modular components (housing, scissor mechanism, light bar, outriggers) that can be independently configured. This modularity allows units to be compacted to minimal transport dimensions while maintaining full functionality when deployed, improving shipping efficiency without requiring oversized trailers.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional bedplate is used to support the engine/generator assembly, then structural stability is maintained, but the overall weight of the light tower increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine/generator assembly is merged directly with the housing structure, eliminating the need for a separate conventional bedplate. The housing itself serves as the mounting structure for the power source, integrating support functions into the existing framework and reducing overall weight while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary bedplate component is extracted from the system. By removing this redundant structural element and relying on the housing and outriggers for support, the design reduces weight while maintaining adequate stability through the optimized configuration of remaining components.
4Ease of operation
If the light tower is designed for easy transportation, then mobility improves, but compact storage and nesting features are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The light bar and scissor mechanism nest inside the housing during transport, creating a compact unit that is easy to move. The housing acts as a protective container that fully encloses the extendable components, allowing the tower to be transported in a small footprint while maintaining the capability to extend to full working height at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic scissor mechanism allows the tower to transition between compact and extended states. During transportation, the mechanism remains retracted within the housing for compactness and ease of movement. At the worksite, the mechanism dynamically expands to provide the necessary height, combining mobility with functional versatility.
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 solution provides a compact, stackable, and efficient portable light tower that reduces the need for multiple vehicles during transportation and optimizes storage, allowing multiple units to be towed on a single trailer, enhancing both shipping and storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The scissors lift is extended and retracted by use of a linear actuator
Implementation Method 2
A compact portable light tower employing a scissors lift mechanism to raise a set of bar lights from a housing having a height of about 28" and a length of about 60", to an extended height of about 360"
Implementation Method 3
Batteries or an engine/generator assembly is employed for operation of the actuator and light bar
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a compact portable light tower that can be stacked or nested. The light tower employs a scissors lift mechanism to raise a set of bar lights from a housing having a height of about 28'' and a length of about 60'', to an extended height of about 360''. The scissors lift is extended and retracted by use of a linear actuator. Batteries or an engine/generator assembly is employed for operation of the actuator and light bar. The housing can be stacked for ease of storage and transportation. Outriggers provide stabilization of ground engagement.