Telescoping Hoist Arm Layout for Vehicle Lift Reach Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoist mechanisms for vehicles face challenges in accommodating varying vehicle sizes and packaging constraints, particularly with large lips or ledges, and struggle with stowage and adjustment of spreader bars, limiting their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A stepless adjustment system with a telescoping arrangement of inner and outer sections, featuring interlocking engagement features and a lifting arm connected to an actuator at a mounting point within the lifting arm's outer profile, allowing for variable height and reach adjustments, along with a removable spreader bar and blocking components for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting arm is made telescoping with inner and outer sections for variable height, then the adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the telescoping arrangement and interlocking engagement features
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting arm is divided into an outer section and an inner section that can move independently relative to each other. The outer section is fixed to the pivot post while the inner section is movable, allowing the lifting arm length to be adjusted in discrete steps through the telescoping arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner section is received within the outer section in a telescoping arrangement, with the inner section sliding inside the outer section. This nesting allows compact storage when not in use and enables length adjustment when needed, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Length of stationary object
If the actuator mounting point is located within the outer profile of the lifting arm, then the reach of the mechanism is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mounting point is positioned within the outer profile of the lifting arm rather than at the end, utilizing the three-dimensional space of the lifting arm structure. This allows the actuator to connect at an optimal point that maintains both reach and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting arm is provided with a specific structural feature at the actuator mounting location to reinforce the area and maintain strength. The outer section is designed with appropriate thickness and structural characteristics at the mounting point to handle the actuator forces while still allowing the mounting point to be within the outer profile.
3Ease of operation
If the spreader bar is made removable for stowage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of attachment may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader bar is pre-configured with engagement features that align with corresponding features on the lifting arm. The lifting arm includes engagement formations such as protrusions or locking mechanisms that automatically engage with the spreader bar when attached, ensuring reliable connection before use.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader bar is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the lifting arm when not in use. This allows the spreader bar to be stored separately or repositioned, improving ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment when needed through the engagement features.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hoist mechanism (20) intended primarily, but not exclusively, for moving a motor driven wheelchair or scooter into and/or out of the load carrying space of a vehicle. The hoist mechanism (20) comprises a lifting arm having, at least in part, a generally U-shaped cross section, and an actuator (28). A mounting point (56) for the actuator (28) is provided within the generally U-shaped cross section. The invention also relates to a stepless adjustment system suitable for use in such a hoist mechanism (20). The adjustment system comprises an inner section (34) received within an outer section (24) in a telescoping arrangement. The outer section (24) comprises first and second body portions (44A, 44B) provided with features for engaging corresponding features (48A, 48B) provided on the inner section (34).