Pivoting Outrigger Lift Support for Uneven Terrain Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for lifting and transporting objects face challenges due to the weight of the objects, terrain difficulties, and limitations in human effort, especially when multiple objects need to be lifted and transported.
Innovation Solution
A lifting and transporting apparatus featuring a vertical support beam with attachment means for objects and a lifting apparatus, along with pivotable outriggers equipped with caster or pad assemblies for stability and adjustable actuation, allowing for versatile orientation and terrain adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If objects are lifted and transported manually, then human effort is required, but the weight of objects and terrain difficulties make it difficult and limit human capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lifting apparatus with a vertical support beam and outriggers that function as counterbalancing structures. The outriggers extend horizontally to distribute the load weight across a wider base, creating a counterbalancing effect that reduces the effort needed to lift and transport heavy objects. This mechanical advantage system allows human operators to move objects heavier than they could lift directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outriggers are deployed for stability on uneven terrain, then terrain adaptability improves, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outriggers are designed as pivotable, adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different terrain conditions. Each outrigger includes mounting means at its end that can be positioned at various heights and angles, allowing the apparatus to stabilize on uneven surfaces. This dynamic adjustability provides terrain adaptability while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures through standardized pivot joints and mounting mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If the vertical support beam is used to attach both objects and lifting apparatus, then space utilization improves, but the structural load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support beam incorporates multiple separate attachment means distributed at different heights and positions along its length. Rather than a single attachment point, the system uses segmented attachment locations including the upper end, lower end, and intermediate positions. This segmentation allows objects and lifting apparatus to be attached at optimized locations, distributing structural loads more evenly across the beam and reducing peak stress concentrations while maximizing space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting and transporting apparatus and method are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the apparatus and method may be realized as an apparatus for lifting and transporting objects comprising a vertical support beam, the vertical support beam comprising at least one first attachment means for removably rotatably attaching an object for accepting lifted objects, the vertical support beam comprising at least one second attachment means for removably rotatably attaching a lifting apparatus for lifting objects; and a plurality outriggers pivotably attached to a lower end of the vertical support beam, each outrigger comprising an arm extending away from the vertical support beam in a substantially horizontal position in a deployed state and pivoting to a substantially vertical position in a stowed state, each outrigger arm having a mounting means substantially at an end thereof for supporting the vertical support beam in a substantially vertical orientation while in the deployed state.