Remote Controlled Lift Assembly for Scaffolding

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lift devices for scaffolding lack remote control functionality and safety features for efficiently lifting and lowering heavy loads without manual labor, particularly in construction settings.

Innovation Solution

A remote-controlled lift device comprising a winch unit mounted on scaffolding outriggers with a cable system, weight sensors, and a wireless remote control, allowing for safe and efficient lifting and lowering of heavy loads, and incorporating additional safety features like spotlights, strobe lights, and audible alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of lift device is used, then direct control over lifting operation is achieved, but manual labor requirement increases and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual labor requirementVSAvoidremote control functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electrical system. A winch unit with motorized cable winding mechanism is controlled remotely via wireless remote control, eliminating the need for manual labor in lifting and lowering cargo while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a receiver as an intermediary between the remote control and the winch unit. The receiver receives wireless signals from the remote control and translates them into control commands for the winch unit, enabling remote operation without direct mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If weight sensing feature is added, then overloading prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety featureVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates weight sensors that continuously monitor the load on the cable and provide feedback to the control system. When the sensed weight exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically prevents further lifting operation, ensuring safety while adding minimal complexity through integrated sensing and control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If remote control functionality is added, then manual labor is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveefficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electrical system. A winch unit with motorized cable winding mechanism is controlled remotely via wireless remote control, eliminating the need for manual labor in lifting and lowering cargo while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a receiver as an intermediary between the remote control and the winch unit. The receiver receives wireless signals from the remote control and translates them into control commands for the winch unit, enabling remote operation without direct mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11377330B2Remote controlled lift assembly

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 JACKSON CHARLES

AI summary

A remote controlled lift assembly includes a pair of supports is each mountable to a respective outrigger of scaffolding. A winch unit is positionable on the supports when the supports are mounted on the scaffolding and the winch unit has a cable extending downwardly therefrom. The cable is lowered or lifted when the winch is actuated. A receiver is coupled to the winch unit and the receiver is in electrical communication with the winch unit. A remote control is provided that is carried by a user and the remote control is in wireless electrical communication with the receiver. In this way the user can remotely lift and lower the cable for lifting and lowering cargo.