Powered Tool Support With Endless Belt Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy and bulky tools are difficult to transport, often resulting in damage due to mishandling and challenges when moving up and down stairs or onto uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A tool support system featuring powered tracks with drive rollers, idler rollers, and endless belts, powered by motors and a power supply, allowing tools to be moved efficiently over flat surfaces and inclines, including stairs, by rotating the belts to provide traction and assist in lifting tools onto higher ledges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transportation of heavy tools is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in moving tools over various terrains and up stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical transportation with an automated powered track system. The motorized drive rollers and endless belts create a self-propelled transportation mechanism that moves tools automatically over various terrains and up stairs, eliminating the need for manual lifting and carrying while reducing device complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The powered track system is designed to transport tools autonomously without requiring manual intervention during transit. The motorized system self-propels the tool along the track and over obstacles, with the tool itself serving as the load being transported rather than requiring human physical effort
2Reliability
If heavy tools are transported manually, then energy consumption is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to damage from mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling with a controlled motorized transportation system. The powered tracks with drive rollers and endless belts provide stable, controlled movement that prevents dropping and mishandling, significantly improving tool safety and reliability during transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The powered track system acts as an intermediary between the tool and the destination. Instead of direct manual handling, the tool is placed on the powered track which mediates its transportation, providing a controlled and safe transfer mechanism that reduces damage risk
3Productivity
If powered tracks are used to move tools over flat surfaces, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to motors and power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor, power supply, drive rollers, and endless belts into an integrated powered track system. This combination creates a unified transportation unit that improves productivity while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The powered track system is designed to handle multiple functions: transporting tools over flat surfaces, navigating inclines, and moving up stairs. This multi-functionality improves overall productivity while the universal design approach helps manage system complexity through versatile application
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 safe and efficient transportation of heavy tools over various terrains, reducing damage and manual labor, as the powered tracks provide traction and mechanical assistance for moving tools up and down stairs and onto higher surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is operable to drive the drive roller and rotate the powered track
Implementation Method 2
an endless belt that extends around the drive roller and the idler roller
Data Source
AI summary
A tool support includes a frame that is configured to support a tool and a powered track supported on the frame. The powered track includes a drive roller, an idler roller, and an endless belt that extends around the drive roller and the idler roller. The tool support also includes a first motor supported on the frame. The first motor is operable to drive the drive roller and rotate the endless belt. The tool support further includes a second motor supported by the frame. The second motor is configured to be coupled to the tool to drive the tool supported on the frame.