Panel Hoist with Rotator and Suction Cups for Semi-Trailer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for handling and attaching panels, such as those on semi-tractor trailers, often require multiple people to lift and maneuver panels, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A panel hoist system comprising a base, hoist arm, jack, rotator, and rotatable joints that allows for the lifting, rotation, and secure holding of panels using suction cups and supplemental holders, enabling single-person operation and reducing the need for multiple workers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple people manually lift and maneuver panels, then panels can be attached to semi-tractor trailers, but the process requires significant labor and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of multiple workers lifting and positioning panels with a mechanical hoist system that uses a winch, cable, and panel holder to automatically lift, rotate, and position panels. This substitution of human mechanical effort with a mechanical lifting device directly resolves the contradiction by improving productivity while reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a panel holder as an intermediary device between the hoist mechanism and the panel. This panel holder includes features like suction cups and rotation mechanisms that mediate the transfer of the panel from ground position to installed position, enabling single-person operation while maintaining safe and efficient panel attachment.
2Reliability
If panels are manually handled by multiple workers, then panels can be securely positioned, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary actions into the panel holder design, including pre-positioned suction cups that engage with the panel surface and a rotation mechanism that is pre-configured to orient the panel correctly. These preliminary preparations enable the panel to be quickly and accurately positioned without requiring multiple workers to manually adjust and align it, thus reducing time loss while maintaining positioning reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a simple lifting mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to rotate and precisely position panels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the panel holder as a multi-functional device that combines lifting, rotation, and positioning capabilities in a single integrated system. The panel holder can both rotate to orient panels at different angles and position them at various heights using the hoist mechanism. This universality allows a single device to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate mechanisms, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving high adaptability for different panel installation scenarios.
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 panel hoist system significantly reduces the number of people required to handle and attach panels, enhancing efficiency and safety by allowing single-person operation and facilitating easier panel management during installation, removal, and repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of suction cups adapted for connection to the panel holder
Data Source
AI summary
A panel hoist and components of various kits including components of a panel hoist are described herein. A panel hoist can be used to hold any of a variety of panels, such as a door attachable to a semi-tractor trailer, and to maneuver the panel for putting into a position for mounting the panel to a panel mounting point or for removing a panel disconnected from a panel mounting point. Various types of suction cups and supplemental panel holders can be used to hold the panel while the panel is moved or prepared for movement. A panel hoist can allow a single person to maneuver panels in various ways instead of having to rely on multiple people to maneuver the panel. Maneuvering the panel can include raising, lowering, or rotating the panel. Various panel hoist components can be configured as a kit.