Rotating Rail Casket Lowering Device for Single-Operator Gravesite Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional casket transport and lowering systems require at least four people to safely and efficiently transport and lower a casket into a gravesite, posing risks of injury and being costly due to manual labor and complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
A casket transport and lowering device system featuring a rotating frame with extendable rails and a carriage that supports a lowering device, allowing the system to be positioned directly over the gravesite for single-person operation, utilizing either manual or motorized movement to align and lower the casket into the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual methods are used to transport and lower the casket, then the casket can be lowered into the gravesite, but at least four people are required which increases labor costs and risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical carrying with a motorized propulsion system. A motor mounted on the carriage propels it along the rails, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical power. This allows a single operator to control the system instead of requiring four people to manually carry the casket.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rail system as an intermediary mechanism between the transport vehicle and the gravesite. The carriage travels along fixed rails that extend from the vehicle to the grave location, providing a guided pathway that enables precise positioning with minimal human effort.
2Reliability
If manual carrying methods are used, then the casket can be positioned at the gravesite, but the process is time-consuming and exposes personnel to injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized propulsion system eliminates the need for multiple personnel to manually carry the heavy casket, thereby reducing exposure to injury risks associated with manual handling. The automated system provides controlled, steady movement that is safer than rushed manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rails are pre-positioned and the carriage is prepared in advance on the transport vehicle. When arrival at the gravesite is approached, the rails are extended and the carriage is ready to immediately begin its journey, eliminating setup delays and reducing overall operation time.
3Device complexity
If a metal frame with ground supports is used, then the casket can be lowered, but the equipment is complex and requires substantial manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a transport vehicle, an extendable rail system, and a separate carriage that carries the lowering device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies positioning, as the carriage can be precisely guided along the rails to the exact location needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system transitions from a static metal frame to a dynamic, extendable structure. The rails can be extended or repositioned as needed, providing adaptability to different gravesite locations while maintaining structural support. This dynamic capability reduces the need for complex fixed infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A casket transport and lowering device system is presented. The system includes a transportable frame with extendable rails configured to rotate and extend out over a gravesite. The extendable rails may also include an end rail and one or more extendable feet. The transportable frame may also be protected inside an exterior housing. The system also includes a carriage that rolls along the extendable rails into a position directly over the top of the gravesite. The carriage supports a lowering device upon which the casket rests. When the carriage is positioned over the gravesite, the lowering device is also positioned to lower the casket into the grave.