Pivotable Support Frame for Material Lifting on Varying Roof Pitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material lifting mechanisms for large panels or sheets are inefficient in securely lifting and unloading materials onto structures like building roofs, as they lack a robust and adjustable system for managing varying roof pitches and securely holding flat loads.
Innovation Solution
A lifting mechanism with a winch system, roller guide members, and a pivotally connected support frame that allows for secure loading and unloading of materials, featuring adjustable rollers, releasable locks, and clamps to accommodate different sizes and angles, enabling safe and efficient transfer of materials across varying roof pitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ladder hoist is used to lift materials, then materials can be lifted onto a structure, but the mechanism lacks secure positioning capability for flat loads and cannot accommodate varying roof pitches
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with pivotable connections at multiple points, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and angle. The frame can pivot between a loading position (extended away from the structure) and an unloading position (flush with the structure), and can also adjust to different roof pitches through the pivotable connection between the support frame and ladder sections. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by providing both secure positioning in each state and versatility across varying roof configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters including the angle of the support frame relative to the ladder, the position of roller guide members along the ladder sections, and the configuration of clamps and locks. These parameter changes allow the system to adapt to different roof pitches and load configurations while maintaining secure positioning capability throughout the lifting and unloading process.
2Ease of operation
If the support frame is extended away from the structure for loading, then materials can be easily loaded, but the frame is not securely positioned for lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame operates in periodic cycles between two distinct states: the loading position where the frame is extended away from the structure for easy material placement, and the lifting position where the frame is secured flush with the structure for safe transport. The releasable locks and clamps enable transition between these periodic states, providing ease of operation during loading while ensuring reliability during the lifting phase through secure engagement.
3Reliability
If the support frame is secured flush with the structure for unloading, then materials can be safely unloaded, but the frame cannot be used for loading
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connection between the support frame and the ladder sections enables the frame to dynamically transition between the unloading position (flush with the structure) and the loading position (extended away). This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve both safe unloading when flush and effective loading when extended, resolving the contradiction by making the frame's position adaptable rather than fixed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If roller guide members are made adjustable to accommodate varying roof pitches, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller guide members are segmented into multiple adjustable positions along the ladder sections, with each segment capable of independent positioning. This segmentation allows the rollers to be configured for different roof pitches without requiring a completely complex adjustment mechanism for the entire guide system. Each segment's simple adjustability contributes to overall adaptability while minimizing total 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 mechanism ensures secure and efficient lifting and unloading of large panels or sheets onto structures, even with uneven roof pitches, by providing adjustable support and secure positioning, facilitating safe handling and installation by a single person.
Implementation Method 1
a winch lifting mechanism for lifting the support frame upward along the ladder
Implementation Method 2
Roller guide members engage the first and second sections to facilitate the sliding
Implementation Method 3
A releasable lock holds the support frame in the lowered position
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting mechanism and method for lifting materials onto a structure having a first elongated section having a winch lifting mechanism and a second section slidably mounted on the first section for moving upward and downward and roller guide members for engaging the first and second sections to allow the sliding and a lockable support frame pivotally connected to the second section for securing materials on one side of the first section for lifting onto a structure and rotating to an upper unloading position on the other side of the first and second sections.