Portable Article Lifter With Interchangeable End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for moving large and heavy objects, such as vehicles, boxes, and furniture, fail to easily separate or compress them, are expensive, difficult to operate, or lack portability and interconnectivity for collaborative tasks.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with interchangeable end effectors, a motor-driven frame, and synchronization modules that allow multiple devices to work in concert, featuring hydraulic, pneumatic, and ratchet mechanisms, and wireless connectivity for coordinated lifting, separating, and compressing tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional jacks or mechanical ratchet mechanisms are used to lift or separate articles, then lifting or separating function is achieved, but the device cannot easily compress articles and lacks portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal lifting device that can perform multiple functions (lifting, separating, and compressing articles) through a single integrated platform. The hydraulic or pneumatic actuator system can be configured with different end effectors to achieve various operations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity while increasing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic end effectors that can change configuration and orientation during operation. The end effectors are designed to adapt their shape and positioning based on the specific task requirements, allowing the same base device to handle diverse article types and operations through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static specialized components.
2Force
If forklifts are used to move heavy articles, then heavy lifting capability is achieved, but the device becomes heavy, expensive, and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic actuator systems to generate high lifting forces in a compact and lightweight package. These fluid-powered mechanisms provide mechanical advantage and force multiplication, enabling the device to lift heavy articles without requiring the massive structure and weight of traditional forklifts, thereby improving portability and ease of operation while maintaining high lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical transmission systems (gears, chains, belts) with direct hydraulic or pneumatic actuation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and reduces the overall weight and complexity of the device, making it easier to operate and more portable while still delivering the necessary lifting force through fluid pressure systems.
3Force
If multiple devices are used to move large and heavy objects, then lifting capacity is increased, but coordination and synchronization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow multiple devices to communicate their status, position, and operational parameters in real-time. This feedback system enables automatic synchronization and coordination of multiple devices working together, with each device adjusting its operations based on information received from others, thereby simplifying the coordination of multi-device systems and enabling them to function as an integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple device functions and control systems into a unified coordinated operation mode. When multiple devices are deployed, they are integrated through a common control architecture that combines their capabilities into a single synchronized system, allowing them to work together seamlessly on large and heavy objects as if they were a single coordinated unit rather than separate independent devices.
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 efficient, portable, and cost-effective lifting, separating, and compressing of various articles, with the ability to collaborate multiple devices for complex tasks, enhancing operational ease and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a motor having a drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
the end effectors operating via hydraulic, inflatable, pneumatic, rachet, scissors, screw, telescopic and similar mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
the end effectors operating via hydraulic, inflatable, pneumatic, rachet, scissors, screw, telescopic and similar mechanisms
Implementation Method 4
the end effectors operating via hydraulic, inflatable, pneumatic, rachet, scissors, screw, telescopic and similar mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A portable article lifter, separator, and compressor capable moving a variety of articles. The core components are a frame, a motor, a power source, and a set of interchangeable end effectors suitable for moving different types of articles. This device is used to lift an article, separate multiple articles from each other, and compress one or more articles. Multiple devices can operate collaboratively to move a large and/or heavy article via daisy chaining the devices using synchronization modules. A transmission between the motor and the end effector controls the speed and the torque of the end effector. The device further provides an ON/Off module, a frame base, a handle, a level, wheels and rollers, and a work light.