Material Hoist Carriage With Auto-Rotating Frame on Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient and safe method for transporting heavy materials to elevated surfaces, as ladders are unsafe for carrying loads and require users to steady themselves, and portable ladders are cumbersome for occasional use.
Innovation Solution
A motorized material hoist system with a drive mechanism that includes a housing, motor, gearbox, and spool to wind and unwind a flexible element, allowing a carriage to move along a track and automatically stop at thresholds, facilitating safe and efficient transport of loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ladder is used to reach elevated surfaces, then access is provided, but it is unsafe for carrying heavy loads and requires users to steady themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motorized hoist system with a carriage that travels along a track as an intermediary between the user and the elevated surface. The carriage carries the load while the user remains on the ground, eliminating the need for users to climb ladders with heavy materials. The spool mechanism with flexible connecting element provides the mechanical intermediary that transports materials safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of climbing a ladder with a motorized hoist system. The motor-driven spool mechanism automates the lifting process, substituting human physical effort and balancing act with an automated mechanical system that safely transports loads to elevated surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable ladders are used for occasional maintenance, then access is provided, but storage and transport of bulky equipment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system is divided into separable components including the track sections, carriage, and motorized hoist unit that can be stored separately. The track can be installed permanently or temporarily, while the hoist mechanism can be detached and stored in a compact form, reducing storage volume compared to a full-length portable ladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a retractable or telescopic track design that allows the track length to be adjusted or reduced when not in use. The carriage and hoist mechanism can be positioned at different locations along the track, providing adaptability for various maintenance heights while maintaining a compact storage profile.
3Productivity
If a motorized drive system is added to enable automated lifting, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, gearbox, spool, and control electronics into a single integrated hoist unit that mounts to the carriage. This merging of components reduces the overall number of separate parts, simplifies installation, and maintains high productivity through automated motorized lifting at 2 feet per second.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized hoist system serves multiple functions: it provides automated lifting, includes overload protection, offers remote control capability, and can operate with different carriage configurations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive safety and productivity benefits in a single integrated system.
4Reliability
If automatic stopping at thresholds is implemented, then safety is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller continuously monitors motor current and rotational speed, providing real-time feedback to detect when the carriage approaches threshold locations. When predefined current or speed thresholds are reached, the system automatically stops the motor, ensuring safe operation without requiring high-precision position sensors.
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 enables safe and efficient lifting of heavy loads up to 250 pounds at 2 feet per second, tested over 6,500 trips, with a carriage design that automatically adjusts to changing orientations, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spool positioned inside the housing between the motor and the gearbox, the spool configured to: selectably wind and unwind a flexible connecting element coupled to the track; and drive movement of the drive along a longitudinal direction of the track
Implementation Method 2
a motor positioned inside the housing; a gearbox positioned inside the housing and coupled to the motor
Implementation Method 3
a gearbox positioned inside the housing and coupled to the motor
Implementation Method 4
stopping the movement of the carriage automatically when a motor controller of the drive senses a current that reaches a current threshold and a rotational speed that reaches a rotational speed threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage includes a frame comprising: a first portion configured to slidably secure to a track; and a second portion coupled to the first portion and configured to automatically rotate with respect to the first portion depending on a position of the frame on the track; and a plurality of moving elements secured to the frame.