Spool-Driven Lift Housing for Aircraft Wire Bundle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual installation and removal of wire bundles in aircraft compartments pose safety risks and ergonomic challenges, requiring multiple operators and physical capability.
Innovation Solution
A lift system comprising a first and a second clamp assembly, a gear assembly, and a spool assembly, which includes a rotating extension component, allows for the vertical positioning of objects by rotating the spool assembly in different directions, thereby controlling the movement of a lift housing and attached straps to change the vertical position of objects such as wire bundles, using the lift system, which includes a gear assembly that can include one or more gears disposed within a gear housing. The lift system includes a first and a second clamp assembly, which includes a first and a second clamp assembly. The lift system includes a lift system, which includes a first and a second clamp assembly, a gear assembly, and a spool assembly, with straps extending between the clamp assemblies and the spool assembly, allowing for the lift housing to move in different directions responsive to the spool assembly's rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting and holding of wire bundles is used to install them in elevated positions, then the installation process can be completed, but operators are exposed to dangerous operating conditions and suffer from physical pain and ergonomic issues
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical lift system acts as an intermediary device between the wire bundles and operators. The system includes a spool assembly with rotating extension component that winds and unwinds straps to raise and lower wire bundles, eliminating the need for operators to manually lift and hold them in elevated positions within aircraft compartments.
2Force
If multiple operators are used to manually install wire bundles, then the heavy wire bundles can be handled, but the process requires more time and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of multiple operators lifting wire bundles with an automated mechanical lift system. The gear assembly drives the spool assembly to wind straps, providing controlled lifting force that can handle wire bundles weighing 250-750 lb without requiring multiple operators to coordinate manual lifting.
3Ease of operation
If operators manually hold wire bundles in elevated positions, then installation can proceed, but operators must maintain physical capability and exposure to dangerous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system performs the hazardous lifting and positioning function autonomously through its self-contained gear and spool assemblies. Operators only need to guide the wire bundles once positioned, while the system independently maintains them in elevated positions within aircraft compartments, eliminating continuous operator exposure to dangerous conditions.
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 lift system reduces physical strain on operators, minimizes the number of operators required, and enhances safety by automating the vertical movement of heavy objects, such as wire bundles, within aircraft compartments.
Implementation Method 1
The spool assembly may include a rotating extension component that may rotate in the first direction of rotation or the second direction of rotation. The second end of the first strap and the fourth end of the second strap may be operably coupled with the rotating extension component. In one example, a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap may wrap around an outer surface of the rotating extension component responsive to the spool assembly rotating in the first direction of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
The lift system includes a gear assembly that may include one or more gears disposed within a gear housing. The spool assembly may be operably coupled with the one or more gears of the gear assembly. The gear assembly may control a direction of rotation of the spool assembly. In one example, the gear assembly may control a speed of rotation of the spool assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A lift system and method includes a first clamp assembly, a second clamp assembly, and a gear assembly including one or more gears. The lift system includes a lift housing having a housing cavity with a spool assembly disposed within the housing cavity. The spool assembly is coupled with the gear assembly that controls a direction of rotation of the spool assembly. A first strap extends between a first end coupled with the first clamp assembly and a second end coupled with the spool assembly. A second strap extends between a third end coupled with the second clamp assembly and a fourth end coupled with the spool assembly. The lift housing moves in a first direction responsive to the spool assembly rotating in a first direction of rotation, and the lift housing moves in a second direction responsive to the spool assembly rotating in a second direction of rotation.