Rotatable Electrical Interface for Lift Unit Power During Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices with multiple lift units face inefficiencies in charging, requiring movement to a discrete charging location, which disrupts operation and is cumbersome due to their size and the need to reposition furniture.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable assembly with a rotatable electrical interface and slip ring mechanism allows continuous power supply to lift units as they rotate, maintaining electrical connections without twisting or stretching cables, enabling flexible positioning and charging without interrupting operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the lifting device is moved to a discrete charging location, then the batteries can be recharged, but the lifting device is removed from useful operation and the process is cumbersome due to size and furniture repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous power supply through a rail system with electrical conductors that maintain constant electrical connection to the lift unit as it moves along the rail. This eliminates the need to stop operation for charging, as power is continuously available through the sliding electrical connection between the carriage and rail conductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical connection system consisting of electrical conductors in the rail and corresponding connectors in the carriage. This intermediary mechanism transfers power continuously from the fixed rail system to the moving lift unit without requiring physical movement to charging stations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lift unit is rotated to facilitate patient transfer, then positioning flexibility is improved, but electrical cables may twist or stretch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a slip ring as an intermediary rotational electrical interface that allows the electrical connection to rotate with the lift unit while maintaining continuous electrical contact. This enables the lift unit to rotate for patient transfer without twisting or stretching fixed cables, as the slip ring accommodates rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic electrical connection system where the carriage can rotate on the rail and the electrical connectors can rotate with the carriage. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to rotational movements while maintaining reliable electrical contact, unlike fixed cable connections that would twist or stretch.
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
Facilitates reliable and continuous power supply to lift units during rotation, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency by avoiding cable twisting and allowing uninterrupted use of lifting devices.
Implementation Method 1
A slip ring is disposed in the opening at the first end, and a second electrical connector extends from a power source connector into the opening at the second end to form a conductive connection with the slip ring
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead lift apparatus includes a mounting structure and a rotatable assembly configured to attach a lift unit to the mounting structure. The rotatable assembly is rotatable with respect to the mounting structure about an axis of rotation. The apparatus also includes a rotatable electrical interface disposed in the rotatable assembly, the rotatable electrical interface comprises a static portion and a rotatable portion attached to the rotatable assembly such that the rotatable portion rotates in conjunction with the rotatable assembly. The apparatus also includes a first electrical connector extending from the static portion to a power source connector configured to be connected to an external power source for the lift unit. A second electrical connector extends from the rotatable portion such that the rotatable electrical interface is configured to provide power from the power source to an end of the second electrical connector via the first electrical connector.