Underground Hoist with Foldable Structure and Twist Locks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional coal mine auxiliary transportation system in China is inefficient and unsafe, with a high labor requirement and many manual handling processes, which complicates material transfer and hinders mechanization due to scattered operating surfaces and complex routes.
Innovation Solution
A hoist system designed for underground use, equipped with twist locks, sensors, and a hydraulic lifting mechanism that allows for automatic and synchronized operation, ensuring safe and efficient transfer of materials between ground and air, and adapting to narrow spaces through folding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual hoists and prop-pulling winches are used for material transfer, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but the efficiency is low and labor volume is high
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system is divided into independent functional modules: driving unit with motor, hydraulic lifting mechanism, twist lock assembly, and sensor system. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, enabling automated operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated driving unit that controls the twist locks through a linkage mechanism. The hydraulic lifting mechanism substitutes manual lifting with automated hydraulic actuation, significantly improving efficiency while the control system coordinates these mechanical actions automatically
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transferring links are used in the transportation process, then the transportation routes can cover scattered operating surfaces, but the time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system incorporates a foldable structure that can dynamically adjust its configuration. The cross beam and end beams can be folded to reduce the overall size for navigation through narrow underground passages, then unfolded at the destination to provide the necessary lifting capacity and adaptability for various operating surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The hoist is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both lifting and positioning operations. The twist lock mechanism can securely attach to different trolley configurations, and the hydraulic lifting mechanism can accommodate various load weights, making the system universally applicable across different operating surfaces without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Productivity
If a hoist system with multiple components is used to achieve automated lifting, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and potential safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system incorporates multiple sensors including twist lock closing sensors, twist lock opening sensors, and ejector pin position sensors that continuously monitor the system state. These sensors provide feedback to the control system to ensure proper operation and detect any anomalies, maintaining safety while enabling automated high-productivity operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes safety mechanisms such as the ejector pin system that can quickly release the twist locks in emergency situations. The hydraulic lifting mechanism is designed with controlled descent capabilities to prevent uncontrolled dropping of loads, providing beforehand protection against potential safety failures
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hoist structure is made compact to adapt to narrow underground spaces, then the adaptability to underground environment improves, but the lifting capacity and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist employs a foldable structural design where the cross beam and end beams can be collapsed into a compact configuration for navigation through narrow underground passages. Upon deployment at the working location, the structure unfolds to its full extended configuration, restoring the complete lifting capacity and structural stability required for heavy material handling operations
Data Source
AI summary
A hoist for transferred materials in an underground auxiliary transportation system and a method thereof. The hoist includes a hoist body, guiding plates mounted at two ends of the hoist body through bolts, twist locks mounted at four ends of the hoist body, a driving unit configured to drive twist locks to rotate, transmission assemblies configured to connect the twist locks with the driving unit, ejector pins configured to prevent the twist locks from rotating mistakenly, and a sensor configured to control the hoist to operate and provide protection safety.