Tiltable Test Stand for Chain Hoist Stability and Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test stands for chain hoists are cumbersome and pose risks due to the need for manual lifting of heavy equipment and instability during use, especially when testing heavy chain hoists, and are difficult to move around safely.
Innovation Solution
A test stand design featuring a pair of support legs for vertical orientation and an additional pair of transverse legs that allow the frame to tilt into a horizontal position, with forklift receptacles for stable movement, eliminating the need for wheels and reducing manual effort by bringing connection points closer to the ground for easier hoist attachment and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the test stand is designed with connection points several feet off the ground, then the structural integrity and stability during testing is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to intensive manual effort required to lift heavy chain hoists
Solution Approach 1:
The test stand incorporates a tiltable frame that can transition between vertical and horizontal orientations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the connection points to be positioned at different heights - several feet off the ground during vertical testing for stability, or near the ground during horizontal positioning for easy hoist attachment, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the dimension of frame orientation (vertical vs. horizontal) to the system. By tilting the entire frame structure, the connection points can be brought from elevated positions down to ground level, enabling operators to easily attach heavy hoists without intensive manual lifting, while still maintaining the option for elevated stable testing positions
2Stability of the object's composition
If the test stand is made unwieldy to ensure stability during use, then the stability during testing is improved, but the ease of manufacture and mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable frame design transforms the test stand from a static, permanently heavy structure into a dynamic system that can be reconfigured. The frame can be tilted to horizontal position for easier handling and repositioning, then returned to vertical position for stable testing, providing both mobility and stability without requiring wheels or complex manufacturing
3Ease of operation
If wheels are added to enable movement of the test stand, then the ease of operation regarding mobility is improved, but the stability during use deteriorates due to risk that the stand may not hold still
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using wheels that compromise stability, the invention uses a tiltable rigid frame design. The frame can be positioned horizontally for easy repositioning by forklift or other equipment, then locked into a vertical testing position where its weight and geometry provide inherent stability without rolling elements, thus achieving both mobility and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A test stand (10) for testing hoists (16) includes a test frame (12) and a tensioning device (14) to apply a tensile load to the hoist (16) being tested. The hoist (16) is connected to the test stand (10) at two connection points (26, 28) to which the tensioning device (14) applies a tensile load. Support legs (18, 20) are mounted to the test frame (12) for orienting the test frame (12) in either a generally vertical orientation or in a generally horizontal orientation to facilitate attachment of heavy hoists (16) for testing. Test frame (12) mounted receptacles (44) cooperate with forklift blades (122) for facilitating the transport of the test stand (10).