Portable Lifting Device with Planetary Gear and Telescopic Floor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting devices are not adequately designed for compact, portable, and efficient lifting and movement of heavy objects, particularly in confined spaces, with limited versatility and adaptability to different surfaces and loads.

Innovation Solution

A portable lifting device with a compact, wheeled design featuring interchangeable rollers, a telescopic floor element, and a planetary gear system that allows for precise control and synchronization of multiple devices for synchronized lifting and lowering operations, enabling efficient lifting and movement of heavy objects across various surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If existing lifting devices are used, then lifting function is provided, but they are not compact and not suitable for portable use in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidlifting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device incorporates a telescopic floor element that can be extended and retracted, allowing the device to adapt its size to different lifting scenarios. The floor element nests within the device body when not in use, minimizing volume while maintaining full lifting functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a telescopic floor element that dynamically adjusts its length based on the lifting requirements. This dynamic structure allows the device to transition from a compact state for portability to an extended state for effective lifting operations in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If existing lifting devices are used, then lifting operation is performed, but synchronization of multiple devices is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device incorporates sensors that detect the position and status of the floor element and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables precise synchronization when multiple devices are used together, as each device can adjust its operation based on real-time status information from itself and other devices in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with a universal control interface and standardized components that enable multiple devices to work together in a coordinated manner. The planetary gear system and telescopic mechanism provide consistent performance characteristics across different devices, facilitating easy synchronization without requiring complex individual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If heavy objects are lifted, then lifting force is sufficient, but input torque requirement is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting forceVSAvoidinput torque
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces a traditional winch-based mechanical lifting system with a planetary gear system combined with a telescopic floor element. This substitution provides mechanical advantage through the gear system while the telescopic mechanism amplifies the lifting force with minimal input torque, eliminating the need for manual cranking or high-torque motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear system utilizes rotational motion and gear geometry to convert small input torque into large lifting forces. The curved gear surfaces and rotational mechanics of the planetary arrangement provide efficient torque multiplication, enabling heavy lifting with minimal input energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed components are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different surfaces and loads is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface and load adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a telescopic floor element that can dynamically adjust its length to adapt to different lifting heights and load requirements. This dynamic structure maintains structural stability through controlled extension and retraction mechanisms while providing versatility for various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The floor element is divided into telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the structure to adapt to different configurations while maintaining overall structural integrity through the interconnected design of the telescopic segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides safe, reliable, and efficient lifting of heavy objects in confined spaces with minimal input torque, adaptability to different heights, and the ability to move objects without the need for a power source, enhancing safety and reliability while allowing for interchangeable components for varied applications.

Implementation Method 1

a gear assembly (106) which is configured to be driven in order to move the support (104) relative to the main body (102)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

The lifting device can be designed as a portable lifting device, specifically one that can be carried or lifted by hand... The lifting device may have two handles on opposite lateral sides of the main body and/or one handle on a top side of the main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

An elongated tension element is coupled at one end to the ring gear (138) and, at a distance from it, to the bracket (104)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Spring

Implementation Method 4

The bracket (104) has a holding element (122) designed as a platform, which is fixedly attached to a left linear bearing (124) and a right linear bearing (126), both designed as linear bearing blocks, which are linearly movably mounted on respective linear guides (118, 120), which are designed as lifting columns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear guidance:

Implementation Method 5

Rollers (146) on the side of the floor (108) facing away from the ceiling (116) ensure that the lifting device (100) is mobile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP4209445A1Lifting device and lifting system
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 DRUMMOND CORY
  • EP4209445A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4209445A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4209445A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Lifting device (100) for lifting and/or transporting an object, comprising: a main body (102), a holder (104) for an object which is attached to the main body (102) and movable relative to the main body (102), and a gear arrangement (106) which is configured to be driven in order to move the holder (104) relative to the main body (102), wherein the lifting device (100) is rollable and/or portable; and lifting system comprising at least two lifting devices (100).