Tree-Mounted Hoist with Snatch Block for Game Carcass Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for field dressing large game animals, such as using gambrels and trees, require significant physical strength and often pose safety risks due to the need for finding suitable tree structures, especially when dealing with large animals like moose or deer.
Innovation Solution
A carcass hoist and support apparatus comprising a tree jib plate, truss plate, and tree jib boom, with a snatch block and lifting cable, allows for safe and consistent lifting of large game animals using a gambrel, enabling field dressing and transport without excessive physical effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional gambrels and tree limbs are used for hoisting large game animals, then the method is simple and requires minimal equipment, but it requires significant physical strength and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a base plate secured to the tree, a boom structure providing leverage, a pulley system for mechanical advantage, and a cable assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively reducing the physical strength required and improving safety compared to traditional single-structure methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system (boom and pulley apparatus) between the tree and the game animal. This intermediary structure distributes and manages the forces involved in hoisting, transforming the direct manual lifting operation into a controlled mechanical process that reduces physical strain and safety risks
2Adaptability or versatility
If hunters rely on finding suitable trees with lower branches at proper height, then no additional equipment is needed, but it limits location choices and exposes hunters to injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist apparatus is designed as a universal system that can be deployed in various locations regardless of tree structure. The base plate can be secured to different tree types and heights, and the boom length can be adjusted to accommodate different ground clearances. This universality allows hunters to use the apparatus in locations that would otherwise be unsuitable, expanding location flexibility while maintaining safety through controlled mechanical lifting
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable elements including boom length and cable tension, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different field conditions. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to function safely and effectively across a wider range of locations without requiring specific tree characteristics, thereby reducing the need to compromise on location due to safety concerns
3Reliability
If a mechanical hoist apparatus with boom and pulley is used, then lifting large game animals becomes safer and requires less physical strength, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hoist into distinct components (base plate, boom, pulley, cable), the patent makes the complex mechanical system easier to assemble, disassemble, and maintain. Each component can be independently optimized and replaced if needed, reducing the overall complexity management burden while maintaining the safety benefits of the mechanical advantage system
Solution Approach 2:
The boom and pulley system is designed to create a mechanically balanced configuration where forces are distributed optimally. The boom angle and cable routing are configured to achieve equipotential force distribution, minimizing stress concentrations and simplifying the structural requirements while maintaining safety and mechanical advantage
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
The apparatus enables safe and controlled lifting of large game animals up to 1200 lbs, reducing the risk of injury and providing a consistent method for field dressing and transport, even in areas lacking suitable tree structures.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus is capable of supporting a snatch block, a lifting cable, and a gambrel supporting a carcass thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A game carcass support apparatus includes a tree jib plate securable to a tree, a truss plate securable to the tree superjacent to the tree jib plate, and a tree jib boom connected to the tree jib plate and connectable to the truss plate. A snatch block is connected to the tree jib boom. A lifting cable is operatively connected to the snatch block. A gambrel is connected to one end of the lifting cable. A carcass is mounted on the gambrel.