Nested Lift Assemblies with Offset Cable Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift assemblies for raising and lowering scenery, props, and lighting on a stage often have inefficient cable path configurations that result in increased horizontal spacing and complexity, making them less adaptable and more cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A lift assembly design featuring a base with offset outlets for flexible drive elements, a take-up mechanism with a drum assembly and motor-driven shaft, and internal sheaves that allow for a compact and adaptable cable path configuration, enabling efficient winding and unwinding of cables to reduce the total cable path width and enhance positional flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable path configurations are used in lift assemblies, then the structure is simpler to design, but the horizontal spacing increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the drum assembly within the frame such that the cable path passes through the frame structure itself. The cable enters through a first outlet, passes around the drum, and exits through a second outlet, with all components arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes horizontal spacing while maintaining functional independence of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal cable routing to a three-dimensional cable path that utilizes vertical and depth dimensions. The cable path is routed through the frame structure in multiple spatial dimensions, allowing the cable to enter and exit the frame at different locations without increasing horizontal spacing, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Area of stationary object
If traditional cable routing is used, then the design is easier to implement, but the horizontal spacing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable path into distinct sections: an input section entering through a first outlet, a winding section around the drum assembly, and an output section exiting through a second outlet. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and optimized, reducing overall horizontal spacing while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing utilizes three-dimensional space by passing through the frame structure vertically and in depth, rather than solely horizontally. The cable enters the frame at one location, routes around the drum in three-dimensional space, and exits at a different location, effectively reducing the horizontal footprint without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
3Area of stationary object
If compact cable path configuration is implemented, then horizontal spacing is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly is nested within the frame structure, with the cable path integrated through the frame rather than externally routed. This nesting eliminates the need for additional external cable guides or supports, reducing cable path width while keeping the device complexity manageable through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the cable path routing, and positions the drum assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components dedicated solely to cable management, thereby reducing cable path width without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 design reduces the total cable path width, minimizing horizontal spacing requirements and allowing for more efficient and flexible use of lift assemblies in various configurations, such as nested arrangements, thereby simplifying the lifting process and reducing the distance between articles being raised and lowered.
Implementation Method 1
The free portion of the flexible drive element exerts a frictional force on the drum to prevent slipping between the drum and the flexible drive element
Implementation Method 2
a motor-driven shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A lift assembly that includes a base having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The base defines an outlet positioned closer to the first side than to the second side. The lift assembly further includes a take-up mechanism mounted to the base, and a cable having a stored portion on the take-up mechanism and a free portion extending from the take- up mechanism through the outlet.