Loading Apparatus for Engine-Powered Wheeled Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Engine-powered, wheeled machines are often manually lifted by operators, leading to strain, injury, and potential damage to the machines due to lack of convenient gripping locations and safe lifting mechanisms, especially when loading/unloading from raised platforms.
Innovation Solution
A loading apparatus with a handle assembly and side support members that include upper and lower attachment brackets, allowing the machine to be slid smoothly onto and off raised platforms, reducing operator strain and preventing machine damage by providing a secure gripping mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine is manually lifted by the operator, then the machine can be loaded/unloaded from raised platforms, but the operator experiences strain and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the machine. The apparatus includes a handle assembly with arms that extend from the machine body, allowing the operator to grip and lift the machine through the handle structure rather than directly handling the machine body, thereby reducing strain and injury risk.
2Productivity
If the machine is manually lifted without a loading apparatus, then the machine can be moved, but the machine components may be damaged during loading/unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus serves as a protective intermediary that distributes the lifting force through its structural components (handle assembly, side support members, attachment brackets) rather than concentrating force on vulnerable machine components. This prevents damage to engine components and other sensitive parts during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading apparatus is pre-installed on the machine before loading/unloading operations. The handle assembly with its arms and the side support members with attachment brackets are positioned in advance to provide a secure gripping mechanism and protective structure, ensuring machine components are protected during the subsequent lifting operation.
3Ease of operation
If the operator attempts to slide the machine off the truck bed, then the machine can be unloaded, but the operator may be stuck supporting the heavy machine
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly with its extended arms provides an intermediary gripping structure that allows the operator to securely hold the machine during the unloading process. The side support members with attachment brackets provide additional support points, distributing the machine's weight and preventing the operator from being entraped while sliding the machine off the truck bed.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading apparatus is coupleable to an engine-powered, wheeled machine, such as a snow blower or lawnmower, to aid in lifting the machine onto and off of raised platforms and up and down stairs. The loading apparatus includes a handle assembly having a first arm and a second arm, a first side support member having a first end sized to receive the first arm, and a second side support member having a first end sized to receive the second arm. The apparatus also includes attachment brackets coupled to respective upper portions of the first and second side support members, and attachment brackets coupled to respective lower portions of the first and second side support members. The first and second arms of the handle assembly slidably engage the first and second side support members and are moveable therein between a retracted position and an extended position.