Vacuum-Anchored Hoist Support for High-Force Portable Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for hoist or traction tools in automotive workshops are cumbersome to move due to their heavy bases, and reducing weight compromises the maximum traction force, limiting their working capacity.

Innovation Solution

A portable support device with a base that uses a flexible perimeter rim and vacuum generating means to create a sealed space, allowing rigid fastening to the support surface, enabling easy relocation and maintaining high traction force capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If heavy elements are used in the base to keep the support device immobile, then the support stability is improved, but the ease of moving the device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidease of moving
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base transitions from a static heavy structure to a dynamic system that can change its mobility state. The vacuum generation means activates to create negative pressure that firmly attaches the base to the floor during operation, then deactivates to allow easy movement. This dynamic switching between fixed and movable states resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of moving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses vacuum (pneumatic principle) to create a firm connection between the base and the support surface. The vacuum generation means creates negative pressure that holds the base firmly in place during use, providing stability without requiring heavy elements. When the vacuum is released, the base can be easily moved, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If the weight of base elements is reduced to make moving easier, then the ease of moving is improved, but the maximum traction force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movingVSAvoidmaximum traction force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum system creates a firm connection between the base and floor, allowing the base to remain stationary during high-force traction operations. This pneumatic anchoring enables the use of lighter base materials while still supporting maximum traction forces up to 2500 Kg, as the vacuum pressure compensates for the reduced weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pressure acts as a counterbalancing force that prevents the lightweight base from moving during traction operations. The negative pressure creates a holding force that counteracts the traction forces applied to the hoist tool, allowing lightweight construction without compromising the maximum traction force capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of operation

If a vacuum system is used to secure the base, then the ease of moving is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base integrates multiple functions: it serves as the structural platform for the column and hoist tool, provides the sealing surface for vacuum attachment, and houses the vacuum generation means. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining what could be separate components into a unified base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum generation means is integrated directly into the base structure rather than being a separate movable component. The sealing rim is incorporated as part of the base perimeter. This merging of components simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the ease of moving benefit provided by the vacuum system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 easy movement and location of the support device while maintaining a maximum traction force of 2500 Kg, suitable for automotive repair tasks, by using vacuum-generated negative pressure for secure fastening and flexible pulley systems for directional adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum generating means in fluid communication with the closed space formed, by means of a vacuum line or pipe that is connected to a perforation in the base, such that a vacuum or negative pressure generated by the vacuum generating means creates such a depression or reduction of pressure inside the closed space that it produces a rigid fastening of the base to the support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4086500B1Portable support for hoist or traction tools
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 MARTECH GRP EQUIP SL
  • EP4086500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4086500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4086500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Portable support for hoist or traction tools, comprising a base (1) that is removably fastened on a support surface (3), and a column (2) fastened at a third end (2.1) to a first surface (1.1) of the base, a hoist or traction tool (4) can be coupled to the column, where, in addition, it comprises a flexible perimeter rim (9) fastened and extended from a second surface (1.2) of the base, in such a way that, in use, said flexible perimeter rim is arranged between the base and the support surface forming a closed space (6); and a vacuum generating means (5) in fluid communication with the closed space by means of a vacuum line or pipe (7) that is connected to a perforation (1.3) in the base, such that a vacuum generated by the vacuum generating means produces the rigid fastening of the base to the support surface.