Telescopic Mast Rigid Chain Drive and Guide Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic mast systems face issues with quick raising and lowering, limited load capacity, and interference from foreign objects like ice and sand, particularly in hostile environments, due to reliance on air pressure or gravity for operation.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic mast system incorporating a rigid chain drive mechanism with guide plates to enable quick and controlled movement of mast sections, supported by a motor brake to maintain position and withstand high loads, and resist foreign object interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air pressure is used to raise the mast sections, then the mast can be raised quickly, but air leaks cause pressure loss and the mast cannot stay in the raised position
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lifting function into two independent parts: a pneumatic cylinder for rapid lifting and a retaining mechanism with latches for position holding. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pneumatic lifting system and the mast sections. It captures and holds the mast sections at desired positions, mediating the transition from dynamic lifting to static positioning.
2Device complexity
If gravity is used to lower the mast sections, then the lowering process is simple, but the mast binds due to dirt or ice and cannot be lowered quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism automatically engages with the mast sections during lowering, providing self-service positioning without requiring external intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the mast sections from gravitational dependency by using the driven mechanism to actively control lowering speed and direction, removing the harmful effect of uncontrolled gravitational motion.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple mast sections are used to achieve telescopic extension, then the mast can be compact when retracted, but the cable becomes thick and load capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-pulley mechanical system with a driven mechanism using a chain or belt connected to a drive spool. This substitution allows for more efficient force transmission and higher load capacity while maintaining compact retraction.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the mast relies on gravity for lowering, then no power is required, but foreign objects such as ice or sand cause interference and the mast will not lower
Solution Approach 1:
The driven mechanism provides self-service operation by automatically overcoming foreign object interference through powered assistance, eliminating the need for external intervention while maintaining energy efficiency through controlled operation.
5Volume of moving object
If a pneumatic cylinder with small piston is used, then the system is compact, but it can only support a low capacity load
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the lifting function between the compact pneumatic cylinder for initial rapid elevation and the driven mechanism for sustained load support and controlled lowering, allowing each component to optimize for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic mast system includes a telescopic mast comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections and a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic mast sections. The drive mechanism includes a rigid chain having one end connected to a last one of the telescopic mast sections to move the telescopic mast sections and a plurality of guide plates cooperating with the telescopic mast sections to prevent buckling of the rigid chain.