Telescoping Ring Segment Tool for Confined Payload Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload handling systems, such as the Positioner, are limited by their inability to rotate payloads to precise angles in confined spaces and pose safety risks due to their size and weight, requiring manual cranking and occupying valuable space, while also being dangerous for airmen during handling.
Innovation Solution
A universal payload manipulation tool with telescoping cradle assemblies that provide 360-degree rotation and extended rotational range, allowing for precise positioning and loading angles, featuring locking mechanisms and drive mechanisms to securely hold and position payloads, enabling access to confined spaces and eliminating the need for the Positioner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Positioner is used to rotate payloads to precise angles, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two segments: a lower ring segment that remains attached to the cradle and an upper ring segment that can be detached. This segmentation allows the lower ring segment to provide the rotational positioning function while the upper segment can be removed to reduce complexity and space occupation during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper ring segment is extracted from the complete ring structure and made detachable. This extraction allows the system to operate in two modes: with the complete ring for positioning tasks and with only the lower ring segment for loading tasks, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements when full rotation is not needed.
2Ease of operation
If manual cranking is used to rotate the Positioner, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is integrated into the ring structure itself, with drive rollers that engage with the ring's outer surface. This self-service design allows the ring to be rotated by applying force to its exterior, eliminating the need for complex internal cranking mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complete ring structure is used for 360-degree rotation, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual cranking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into detachable upper and lower portions, allowing the system to adapt between two operational modes: complete ring for 360-degree positioning tasks and lower ring only for loading operations. This segmentation improves adaptability while the external drive mechanism improves ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower ring segment serves multiple functions: it provides the structural base for the cradle, enables rotational positioning when the upper segment is attached, and allows loading operations when the upper segment is detached. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without requiring the complete ring structure for all operations.
4Area of stationary object
If the Positioner is used in confined spaces, then positioning capability is reduced, but space occupation is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable ring segments allow the system to be compact (lower ring only) when operating in confined spaces, while still providing positioning capability through the cradle's rotation. The upper segment can be attached when full 360-degree positioning is needed and removed when space is constrained.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal payload manipulation tool employs a segmented ring captured in a telescoping cradle to perform the positioning functions of both a workstation and a loading adapter. The ring rotates over a range of 360 degrees to perform the position functions of the workstation. With the upper ring segment removed, the telescoping cradle rotates and the lower ring segment rotates and extends from the telescoping cradle over a combined range of rotation to position the payload at a specified angle for unloading to perform the position functions of a loading adapter. This configuration allows the universal tool to access confined spaces while supporting a range of rotation required in many applications for unloading the payload (loading the payload to another platform such as an aircraft). The manipulation tool may also be configured as only a loading adapter.