Telescopic Carousel Support for Counterweight-Free Passenger Lifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carousels for raising and lowering passengers are visually polluting and complex, requiring a counterweight element for stability, limiting their use and passenger experience.
Innovation Solution
A carousel design with a support structure hinged to a base at one end, allowing it to emerge from the base in a second configuration, eliminating the need for a counterweight and enabling telescopic extension of tubular elements for increased stability and sensory experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a counterweight element is added to balance the cabin weight, then the carousel can assume first and second configurations without compromising stability, but the device complexity increases and visual pollution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the counterweight element from the system entirely. Instead of adding a second longitudinal portion extending from the base, the support structure is configured to fold back onto itself, with the cabin end returning toward the base end, eliminating the need for counterbalancing mass and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than extending the support structure in opposite directions from the base (traditional design), the invention inverts this approach by folding the support structure back toward the base, creating a compact configuration that eliminates visual pollution and reduces the need for counterweights
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support structure is hinged at an interposed point between first and second ends, then the carousel can assume first and second configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotational movement between configurations, and folds back onto itself to eliminate the need for a separate counterweight structure. The single longitudinal portion performs what would traditionally require multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support structure into a single longitudinal portion that folds back onto itself, combining what would traditionally be separate structural elements (support structure and counterweight) into one integrated component that performs multiple functions
3Stability of the object's composition
If the carousel uses a traditional design with support structure extending in opposite directions, then stability is maintained, but visual pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure dynamically changes its configuration between a deployed state (for operation) and a folded state (for minimizing visual impact). The ability to fold back onto itself allows the structure to adapt its spatial footprint, reducing visual pollution when not in use while maintaining stability during operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a carousel for raising and lowering passengers, comprising a support structure having a longitudinal extension axis and a base arranged to bear the support structure. The support structure is hinged to the base about a rotation axis, allowing for rotation relative to the base, with movement means facilitating this rotation. The support structure includes a first end bearing a cabin for passengers and a second end connected to the base, with a plurality of tubular elements telescopically coupled to adjust the longitudinal extension axis. The carousel features positioning means that connect the cabin to either the base or the support structure, depending on the operating condition. The carousel can assume two configurations: a first configuration where the cabin is near the base and a second configuration where the support structure emerges from the base to allow sliding of the tubular elements.