Rotating Surface Plate for Uprighting Prone-Stored Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting and storing large or long products in a prone-lying position offers space efficiency but requires manual and labor-intensive processes to reposition them into an upright orientation, posing risks of damage and injury.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a base plate and a rotatably connected surface plate, utilizing a clamping and lifting system to apply forces that leverage the weight of the object to rotate and lift it into an upright position, eliminating the need for manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If products are transported in a prone-lying position to maximize space efficiency, then the quantity of products transported per load increases, but the ease of operation and safety during storage and presentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses the product's own weight to rotate it into the upright position. The weight of the distal end of the object creates a lever effect that automatically rotates the object as the proximal end is lifted, eliminating the need for external rotation mechanisms or manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the product from a two-dimensional horizontal (prone-lying) position to a three-dimensional vertical (upright) position by lifting one end while allowing rotation about a pivot point, efficiently utilizing spatial transformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual lifting is used to position products into an upright position, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the reliability and safety deteriorates due to risk of damage and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus acts as an intermediary between the clamping and lifting system and the product. It provides a controlled interface that uses friction between the surface plate and product surface to transmit lifting forces while preventing uncontrolled dropping or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface plate creates friction-based contact with the product surface beforehand, providing a cushioning effect that prevents sudden drops or uncontrolled movements during the positioning process, thereby protecting both worker and product.
3Device complexity
If manual lifting is used to position products upright, then no additional equipment is needed, but the productivity decreases due to slow and labor-intensive process
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges the clamping function and lifting function into a single integrated system. The base plate attaches to the clamping and lifting system, while the surface plate simultaneously provides both clamping contact and lifting surface, eliminating the need for separate rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the product's own weight to drive the rotation process. As the proximal end is lifted by the clamping and lifting system, the weight of the distal end automatically creates the rotational moment needed to upright the product, eliminating the need for powered rotation actuators.
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
Provides a safe, efficient, and cost-effective method to reposition objects into an upright orientation without complex machinery, reducing labor intensity and potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
The surface plate is configured to contact the object and to apply a pressure against the object creating a frictional contact
Implementation Method 2
The clamping and lifting system may then be used to apply a lifting force, which may cause the base plate, and the surface plate attached thereto, to rise vertically upwards
Implementation Method 3
the proximate end of the object is being raised vertically upwards by the surface plate, causing the proximate end of the object to experience a rotational force due to the weight of the distal end of the object creating a lever against the proximate end
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the translation and rotation of an object to position the object into an upright position. In embodiments, an apparatus can include a base plate configured to attach to a clamp vehicle, a surface plate, and a rotator configured to rotatably connect the surface plate to the base plate such that the surface plate is able to rotate independently of the base plate about an axis. In embodiments, the surface plate is positioned against a proximate end of the object, and a compressive force can be applied to the object, causing the surface plate to press against the proximate end of the object. A lifting force can be applied to raise the object upwards to cause the surface plate to rotate the object toward the upright position while maintaining a secure hold on the object. The upright object can then be lowered in an upright position.