Elevatable Mobile Platform With Retractable Lift and Universal Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift devices are large, heavy, and have limited mobility, making them cumbersome for material handling in confined spaces and requiring significant manual labor for placement of materials.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled elevatable mobile platform (EMP) with a retractable lift assembly, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, featuring a universal coupler that allows interchangeable attachment to electro-mechanical devices, and a stability and load system for enhanced maneuverability and stability during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional lift devices are used, then lifting capability is achieved, but mobility and maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lift device is divided into separable components: a base unit with propulsion system and a lift mechanism that can be attached/detached. This segmentation enables the base to be mobile while the lift mechanism provides lifting capability, resolving the contradiction between mobility and lifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift mechanism is designed to be retractable and movable relative to the base, allowing dynamic adjustment of the lift position and height. This dynamic configuration improves maneuverability while maintaining lifting capability, addressing the mobility-maneuverability limitation.
2Strength
If lift devices are made large and heavy for stability, then lifting capacity increases, but ease of movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heavy lift mechanism from the mobile base and allowing detachable coupling, the system can be transported in parts or with reduced configuration, improving ease of movement while maintaining full lifting capacity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift mechanism can be partially deployed or retracted depending on operational needs, allowing the device to be moved with reduced lift extension, thereby improving maneuverability while retaining full lifting capacity when required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed attachment methods are used, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability to different devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with universal mounting features (flanges with mounting studs and apertures) that can accommodate multiple electro-mechanical devices with different configurations. This universal design enables structural stability through secure attachment while providing adaptability to various devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler allows dynamic attachment and detachment of the lift mechanism to different devices. The detachable coupling with mounting studs and apertures enables quick reconfiguration between different electro-mechanical devices while maintaining structural stability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift device includes a base, a retractable lift assembly, a coupler, an electro-mechanical device, and a battery pack. The base includes an electric drive and at least two rotatable wheels powered by the electric drive. The retractable lift assembly includes a first end coupled to the base and a second end that is movable relative to the base. The coupler is mounted to a first surface of the retractable lift assembly and includes at least one mounting stud, the at least one mounting stud extending outwardly away from the coupler. The electro-mechanical device is detachably coupled to the at least one mounting stud and is repositionable relative to the retractable lift assembly. The battery pack is electrically connected to the electric drive and the retractable lift assembly.