Overhead Load Reel Locking With Magnetic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoisting devices for lifting and carrying loads, such as in hospitals and aged care facilities, often experience sudden jolting and wear due to the engagement of pawls with ratchet wheels, which can lead to damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A damping system using permanent magnets to bias a lever arm against rotation, preventing sudden engagement of pawls with ratchet wheels, and an actuator element driven by the weight of the load to smoothly lock and unlock the reel, minimizing wear and ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet wheel and pawl locking mechanism is used to prevent unintentional unwinding of the belt, then the load can be securely held, but sudden jolting and wear occur during engagement which can lead to damage
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is incorporated into the pawl mechanism to provide cushioning before engagement. The spring absorbs the impact energy during pawl-ratchet engagement, preventing sudden jolting and reducing wear on the locking components while maintaining secure load holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
A damping element is introduced as an intermediary between the pawl and ratchet wheel. This intermediary component gradually dissipates the engagement energy through controlled deformation or friction, eliminating the harmful sudden impact while preserving the locking function
2Ease of operation
If a manual crank handle is used to rotate the reel for winding or unwinding the belt, then the operation can be controlled, but the process requires manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static manual cranking to dynamic automated operation. A motor-driven reel mechanism replaces the manual crank, enabling automatic winding and unwinding of the belt while maintaining controlled operation through electrical switches or control systems, significantly reducing the time required
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cranking system is replaced with an electromechanical system. An electric motor drives the reel through a transmission mechanism, substituting human physical effort with automated electrical actuation while preserving the fundamental winding/unwinding function
3Extent of automation
If an electrically operated hoist module is used to raise the module to the trolley, then the lifting process is automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist module is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only lifts the load but also propels itself along the overhead track to the trolley position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning and lifting mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The hoist module is equipped with self-propulsion capability, allowing it to autonomously move along the track to the trolley without external assistance. The module serves itself by integrating its own propulsion and lifting functions, reducing the need for additional complex positioning systems
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 smooth and durable operation by minimizing jolting and wear, ensuring secure locking and unlocking of the reel, and supporting a wide range of loads efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of permanent magnets; and a lever arm for being rotated in one direction about the second axis when the actuator element is driven about the second axis by the support belt, and one of the permanent magnets is disposed for being moved into a magnetically repelling relationship with the other one of the magnets with the rotation of the lever arm
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a weight bearing device for being located overhead to support the weight of a load applied to the device in use. Embodiments comprise a reel for winding up or unwinding a support belt for supporting the load, the reel being rotatable about a first axis of rotation. An actuator element is provided for being driven about a second axis of rotation to drive a locking mechanism to lock the reel against unwinding of the support belt when the weight of the load is applied to the support belt. The reel is released by the locking mechanism when the weight of the load is removed from the support belt. Methods for use of the device are also provided.