Portable Operator Transport Device for Vertical and Horizontal Movement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment for vertical and horizontal movement on non-horizontal surfaces often require manual adjustments for horizontal positioning, use of moving platforms or cages, and may pose operational challenges with cables near the operator, necessitating external help for repositioning and installation of complex structures.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained device with remote control capabilities for simultaneous or separate vertical and horizontal movement, utilizing a suspension cable system with integrated engines for displacement and an emergency descent mechanism, eliminating the need for platforms or cages and allowing operator-controlled positioning without external assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustments are used for horizontal positioning, then the device structure can be simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates as operators need to leave the machine or require external help

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidrepositioning operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both vertical and horizontal displacement capabilities into a single integrated machine. The horizontal displacement engine (2) and vertical displacement engine (3) are merged into one device, allowing operators to perform both types of movement without leaving the machine or requiring external assistance. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate manual adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-service operation through remote control capabilities. The operator can control both horizontal and vertical positioning from within the harness carriage using a remote control unit, eliminating the need to leave the machine or require external help for repositioning. The self-contained nature of the device allows independent operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If moving platforms or transport cages are used, then the safety and stability of operators improve, but the device complexity and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate moving platforms, chairs, or transport cages by integrating all necessary functions directly into the harness carriage. The operator is secured through a harness system (4) attached to the carriage, providing safety without requiring additional platform structures. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by removing unnecessary components while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If permanent and complex structures are installed, then the stability and reliability of the equipment improve, but the ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic, portable design that eliminates the need for permanent installations. The device can be easily moved and repositioned to different locations using the horizontal displacement engine (2), providing flexibility without requiring fixed structural installations. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by achieving reliability through engineered stability rather than permanent mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can be deployed in various locations without site-specific installations. The combination of horizontal and vertical displacement capabilities in a single portable device allows it to adapt to different work environments without requiring permanent structures, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If cables are present near the operator for control, then the ease of operation improves, but harmful factors increase due to cable interference and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidcable interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable-based control systems with wireless remote control technology. The operator can control the horizontal displacement engine (2) and vertical displacement engine (3) using a remote control unit without physical cable connections. This substitution eliminates cable interference and safety risks while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables safe, efficient, and independent vertical and horizontal movement without manual adjustments or external help, reducing operational complexity and facilitating flexible deployment without permanent structures.

Implementation Method 1

an engine (3) that sets the drum (6) in motion, from which the cable harness suspension of the operator (4) is wound/unwound, and allows for the ascent/descent of the operator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

an electric brake (8) which allows the stop in the event of power failure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

an engine (2) with an endless gear engine, a system that detects the presence of the runner, mechanical stops at the top of the runners and a system for the winding/unwinding of the cord

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

The operator properly placed on the harness carriage, which in turn, through a coupling system, is placed in the suspension cable of the harness of the operator (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP2776362B1Equipment for moving people in height in non horizontal surfaces with vertical and horizontal translation
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 VERTEQUIP - EQUIPAMENTOS E TRABALHOS VERTICAIS LDA
  • EP2776362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2776362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2776362B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an equipment intended to moving people in height in non-horizontal surfaces, allowing their translation vertically and horizontally, comprising a chute with a docking and fixing system (1), engine for the horizontal displacement (2) engine for the vertical displacement, suspension cable for the harness of the operator (4), wireless control and safeguarding system (7) for rescue and recovery.