Telescoping Support Post With Gas Spring for Overhead Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The task of lifting and supporting items, such as light fixtures or ceiling ductwork, in overhead environments is challenging for a single person, as it requires holding the item in place for extended periods, leading to fatigue and the need for additional hands.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping post assembly with a manually-operable actuator mechanism that allows the item to be lifted and held in an elevated position using a tripod-style base and gas spring, enabling single-handed operation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single person manually holds an item overhead for extended periods, then the item can be positioned and worked on, but the person experiences undue fatigue and cannot maintain the position effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is self-supporting, resting on the underlying floor surface and using its own structural components (telescoping post assembly with actuator mechanism) to maintain the item in an elevated position without requiring continuous human effort to hold it
2Ease of operation
If additional personnel are used to hold and work on the item simultaneously, then the item can be supported and worked on without fatigue, but the complexity and cost of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the item and the worker, providing mechanical support through the telescoping post assembly that enables single-person operation while maintaining item stability and accessibility
3Ease of operation
If the telescoping post assembly uses a manually-operable actuator mechanism for elevation adjustment, then the apparatus can be easily adjusted and operated by one person, but the mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism replaces complex manual telescoping operations with a simplified mechanical system that provides controlled elevation adjustment through a single operating mechanism, reducing the complexity of manual adjustment while maintaining ease of 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 efficient lifting and holding of items in elevated positions, reducing fatigue and the need for additional personnel, while allowing for quick and easy adjustments in elevation and stability.
Implementation Method 1
motive means for moving the inner and outer tube sections relative to one another to alter the distance between the two opposite end sections of the post assembly, wherein the motive means includes a manually-operable actuator mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for lifting or supporting an item in an elevated condition includes a telescoping post assembly having an inner tube section which provides one end section of the post assembly and an outer tube section which defines an opposite end section of the post assembly. In addition, a gas spring is mounted within the post assembly for acting between the inner and outer tube sections, and a manually-operable lever member is associated with the gas spring and is cooperable with a fulcrum member to effect the movement of the two opposite end sections of the post assembly away from one another so that by positioning the telescoping post assembly between the support surface and the item to be lifted and then moving the actuator mechanism between two conditions effects the lifting of the item from the support surface.