Plate Handling Device with Articulation System for Position Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting and handling devices for plates or panels in the building trade can be expensive to manufacture and assemble, and require cumbersome manipulations to switch between horizontal, under-creeping, and vertical positions, limiting their usability and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A plate-carrying device with a hinge system fixed on a mast, featuring a support frame that can rotate around an orthogonal axis and pivot around a parallel axis, allowing easy transition between horizontal, inclined, and vertical positions using a handle-activated locking mechanism, which automatically disengages when changing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support profile offset with respect to the mast part is used to receive articulation means, then the device can support plates in multiple positions, but the device becomes expensive to manufacture and assemble due to special profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a standard mast, a separate articulation system with hinge pins, and a support frame. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation system uses universal hinge pins and standardized connection points that can accommodate different plate sizes and weights. The same basic structure serves multiple functions: supporting plates horizontally, vertically, and at intermediate angles, eliminating the need for position-specific specialized profiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plate support frame is disengaged and rotated 90° to switch between horizontal and under-creeping positions, then position change is achieved, but the manipulation becomes cumbersome and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with dynamic articulation capabilities, allowing it to pivot continuously between horizontal, under-creeping, and vertical positions. The hinge connection enables smooth transitions without requiring complete disengagement and re-engagement, making the operation fluid and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed mast and the movable support frame. It mediates the position changes by providing a hinge connection that naturally guides the frame through the required motion paths, eliminating the need for manual disengagement and rotation operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support base is locked in horizontal position and then tilted to vertical position, then three positions are achieved, but the locking mechanism becomes complex with multiple axes and pawls
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system incorporates self-locking features through the hinge pin design and gravity-assisted positioning. When the support frame is tilted to desired positions (horizontal, under-creeping, or vertical), the hinge mechanism and associated simple locking elements automatically engage to maintain the position without requiring complex multi-axis coordination or manual intervention.
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
Facilitates the placement of plates in three positions without dismantling, simplifying operator interventions and reducing the need for manual manipulation, enhancing ease of use and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for special profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge system (4) intended to be fixed on the mast (3) of the device, and a support frame (5) mounted on the articulation system with the ability to rotate around an axis orthogonal to the landing plane
Implementation Method 2
the articulation system is hinged around an axis parallel to the landing plane and comprises a handle (8) attached to locking means (9) allowing a user to tilt the support frame into horizontal, inclined and vertical positions
Data Source
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AI summary
A plate-holding device (2) for a lifting and handling apparatus of the type comprising a mast (3) and allowing the installation of a plate of any material to form false ceilings, or for installation under sloping roofs and on partitions. According to the invention, the device (2) comprises an articulation system (4) intended to be fixed to the mast (3) of the apparatus (1), and a support frame (5) defining a receiving plane for a plate. The support frame (5) is mounted on the articulation system (4) with the capacity to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the receiving plane, and the articulation system (4) is articulated about an axis (7) parallel to the receiving plane and comprises a handle (8) subjected to locking means (9) allowing a user to tilt the support frame (5) into horizontal, inclined, and vertical positions, and to lock at least the horizontal and inclined positions directly from the handle (8).