Portable Force Amplifier with Motorized Drum and Rope Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force amplifiers are inadequate for operations that require variable force direction, such as raking, as they do not allow for partial force supplementation and rapid user movement, and their delicate mechanisms are not suited for construction site conditions, leading to operator strain and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that links to a user, guides a tool along a longitudinal axis, and actuates it using a motorized drum and rope system, allowing free rotation and providing assistance force based on user input, ensuring robust, reliable, and economical force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a horizontal frame fixed to a wall is used for force amplification, then force amplification capability is improved, but portability and mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the force amplification mechanism from a fixed wall-mounted structure and integrates it into a portable belt worn by the operator. The motorized drum and rope system are contained within a compact housing that can be worn on the waist, allowing the force amplification capability to be moved with the operator rather than fixed to a structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it provides force amplification, maintains portability through belt integration, allows variable force direction through the rake guide mechanism, and enables rapid movement. The combination of motorized drum, rope, and guiding means creates a multi-functional system that addresses both force amplification and mobility requirements.
2Measurement precision
If delicate mechanisms like control units and actuators are used, then force control precision is improved, but reliability in challenging construction site conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces delicate control units and actuators with a simpler, more robust motorized drum system. The drum mechanism is inherently more resistant to the harsh construction site environment, sacrificing some control precision for significantly improved reliability and durability in challenging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes complex electronic control mechanisms with a mechanically simpler motorized drum and rope system. This mechanical substitution reduces the number of delicate components that could fail in harsh environments while maintaining sufficient control capability through the drum's rotational control.
3Force
If mono axial force amplifiers are used, then force amplification in a fixed direction is improved, but adaptability to variable force directions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability through the rake guide mechanism, which allows the rake to move freely in multiple directions while the motorized drum provides force amplification along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to variable force directions required in raking operations while maintaining force amplification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rake guide acts as an intermediary between the motorized drum's linear force application and the rake's multi-directional movement. This intermediary mechanism translates the axial force from the drum into adaptable force vectors that can accommodate variable directions during raking operations.
4Power
If force amplification is provided without free rotation capability, then force transmission efficiency is improved, but operator mobility and task performance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the motion control into two independent parts: the motorized drum controls force amplification along the longitudinal axis, while the rake guide independently enables free rotation and multi-directional movement. This segmentation allows force transmission efficiency to be optimized in the axial direction while operator mobility is maintained through rotational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the force amplification mechanism with the rotational freedom mechanism in a single integrated device. The motorized drum and rake guide work together to provide both efficient axial force transmission and unrestricted rotational movement, combining what were previously separate functions into one unified system.
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 device reduces operator force requirements while maintaining mobility, allowing for efficient raking operations with reduced strain on the operator, as it provides consistent force assistance and adapts to changing directions, enhancing safety and productivity on construction sites.
Implementation Method 1
a drum (5) driven in rotation by a motor (6)
Implementation Method 2
a rope (7) making three turns (8) around the drum (5) and of which the two extremities (7.1 and 7.2) are connected to the handle (3) of the rake (4)
Implementation Method 3
a force sensor (10) measuring the longitudinal force applied along the axis (X) to the sleeve (9)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable device (1) for amplifying an axial force applied to a tool, which includes: means (100) for linking the device to a user; means (2) for guiding the tool (4) it translation along a longitudinal axis (X); means for actuating the tool, including a drum (5) provided with a motor (6) and a rope (7) rigidly connected to the tool (4) and forming at least one turn (8) around the drum (5); and means for controlling the actuating means in order to apply a force to the tool in response to a force provided by the user via a control member. The means (100) for linking the device to the user and the means (2) for guiding the tool (4) in translation allow the tool (4) to rotate freely about the longitudinal axis (X) and about at least one axis (Z, Y) extending in a plane (P) which is normal to the longitudinal axis (X).