RTU Wheeled Lift System for Roof Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transporting and positioning rooftop air conditioning or refrigeration units (RTUs) are costly and inefficient, often requiring large cranes or helicopters, and lack portable and easily assembled systems that can handle heavy loads without damaging roofs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, easily assembled mechanical lift system with wheeled attachment features and adjustable height mechanisms, allowing for efficient transport and positioning of RTUs on rooftops without the need for cranes, with a small footprint for easy delivery and minimal power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a 30 ton crane system is used to place and move the RTU, then the RTU can be positioned on the roof, but the system cannot extend sufficiently to place the RTU on a curb located far from the edge of the building
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the RTU transport task into two independent phases: (1) lifting the RTU vertically using a compact crane, and (2) transporting it horizontally using wheeled attachment features with locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a single large crane to handle both vertical and horizontal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheeled attachment features act as an intermediary between the RTU and the roof surface. These features include lockable wheels that can be engaged or disengaged based on whether the RTU needs to be moved or positioned, providing a mechanical mediation that eliminates the need for crane extension.
2Length of stationary object
If a larger 100-175 ton crane is used to extend reach, then the RTU can be placed on distant curbs, but the cost increases 10 times or more compared to a 30 ton crane
Solution Approach 1:
The RTU becomes self-service in terms of horizontal transport. After being lifted by the compact crane to a elevated position, the RTU's own weight is used to engage its wheeled attachment features, which then enable it to roll into position under its own gravity without requiring additional lifting capacity or expensive crane extension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a helicopter is used to move the RTU, then the RTU can be transported to remote locations, but the cost is very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex aerial mechanical system (helicopter) with a simple two-stage mechanical system: a compact vertical lift mechanism followed by ground-based wheeled transport. This substitution dramatically reduces cost while achieving the same functional outcome of placing the RTU at a remote location on the roof.
4Ease of operation
If conventional screw or pneumatic jacks are incorporated into the device, then raising and lowering of the RTU is readily and easily achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static positioning to dynamic adjustment. The height-adjustable wheeled attachment features allow the wheel position to be dynamically changed during the transport process, enabling the RTU to be rolled to the desired location and then locked into place. This dynamic capability provides operational flexibility without requiring complex active control systems.
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
The system enables cost-effective and damage-free transport and placement of RTUs on rooftops, reducing the need for expensive crane services and minimizing maintenance, while allowing for easy assembly and repair with readily available parts.
Implementation Method 1
Aspects of the lift features of an example device or system may include one or more jacks (e.g., conventional screw or pneumatic jacks) incorporated into or attached to the device or system so as to readily and easily allow raising and lowering of the RTU or other unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A device or system for transporting an object to be transported, such as a heavy roof mountable HVAC unit, via inexpensive mechanical lift features that may be easily assembled onto system components that include mobile features, such as wheels. The device and system may include three or more wheeled attachment features that are selectively attachable to the object to the transported. Each wheeled attachment feature may include a selectively variable height mechanism, such as a jack; a securing mechanism for securing each wheeled attachment feature to the object to be transported, the securing mechanism including, for example, a mounting plate and a securing tab for holding the wheeled attachment feature to the object; and a wheel coupled, for example, via an upright inner sleeve, to the variable height mechanism.