Stair Roller Device for Moving Heavy Items on Stairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removing large oil tanks from basements is challenging due to size and weight constraints, often requiring cutting into pieces, which increases costs and poses environmental hazards from residual oil.
Innovation Solution
A stair roller device with parallel rails, wheels, and a winch system that securely holds and lifts heavy items up stairs, using a triangular box to prevent downward movement and a removable winch for easy handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If movers manually carry the tank up the stairs, then the tank can be removed from the basement, but the tank is too heavy and cumbersome for movers to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stair roller device as an intermediary mechanism between the tank and the stairs. This device includes a frame with rollers that contact the tank bottom and a rail system attached to the stairs. The intermediary device transfers the tank weight from direct human carrying to mechanical rolling motion, making it possible to move heavy tanks that would otherwise be too cumbersome to handle manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual carrying mechanical system (movers lifting and carrying the tank) with a rolling mechanical system. The stair roller device uses rollers mounted on a frame that interface with the tank bottom, converting the lifting-and-carrying motion into a rolling motion along the stairs. This mechanical substitution reduces the physical effort required by movers while maintaining the ability to remove the tank from the basement.
2Area of stationary object
If the tank is cut into pieces to remove it from the basement, then the tank can be removed through space constraints, but additional time and cost are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the space constraint problem by changing the dimension of movement. Instead of trying to fit the entire tank through limited horizontal space by cutting it, the stair roller device allows the tank to move along the vertical dimension of the stairs. The rail system is attached to the stair structure, guiding the tank upward in a path that utilizes the existing vertical space, thereby avoiding the need to cut the tank to fit through horizontal openings.
3Area of stationary object
If the tank is cut into pieces to remove it from the basement, then the tank can be removed from space constraints, but residual oil causes environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the environmental hazard by changing the removal approach from horizontal cutting to vertical rolling movement. The stair roller device enables the intact tank to be moved upward along the stairs using the rail system, keeping the tank whole and sealed. This prevents residual oil from leaking during the removal process, thereby eliminating the environmental hazard associated with cutting the tank into pieces.
4Ease of operation
If a stair roller device is used to move the tank, then the tank can be rolled up the stairs, but the device must be securely held at the top of the stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holding mechanism as an intermediary component between the stair roller device and the stair structure at the top landing. This mechanism includes a clamp or latch that engages with the rail system, providing a secure connection point. The intermediary holding mechanism transfers the tank weight and motion forces to the fixed stair structure, ensuring the device remains stable and securely positioned at the top of the stairs during and after the rolling operation.
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
Enables safe and efficient removal of large items like oil tanks without cutting, reducing costs and environmental risks by providing a secure and stable mechanism for rolling and lifting heavy objects up stairs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of wheels on the top side of the first rail, a plurality of wheels on the top side of the second rail
Implementation Method 2
an elongated winch member with a winch at the distal end; a shank pinned within the triangular box, such that the shank can rotate or pivot within the vertical slot
Data Source
AI summary
A stair roller device comprising: a first rail; a second rail, the second rail parallel to the first rail; a top cross member fixedly attached to the first rail and second rail at or near the top of the first and second rails; at least one other cross members fixedly attached to the first rail and second rail and below the top cross member; a plurality of wheels on the top side of the first rail and the top side of the second rail, a horizontal extending member extending at an acute angle from the bottom side of the top cross member, the horizontal extending member configured abut against a structure at or near the top of a set basement stairs to temporarily hold the stair roller device on the basement stairs.