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Deployable Staircase Winch System
Deployable Staircase Winch System
Created in: SolidWorks 2020 Updated on: Jan 3, 2022
Summary
This 4-month long design project (May 2021 - August 2021) was a group project that was completed alongside a few of my classmates. The main objective of this design project was to provide a mechanical solution to an existing problem relating to COVID-19 or to targeted groups of people. My team and I came up with a design to solve the problem of lifting heavy objects up and downstairs, especially for people with difficulty lifting heavy objects. The entire engineering design process was performed, to identify key functions for a solution and convert the design specifications into a CAD model that was used for simulation, to verify the design that we proposed.
Our design incorporated a 2 piece system, with a DFM sled and a self-supporting main support, where the main support would rest against the two walls of a staircase to support the entire load of the system under operation, and the versatile yet strong sled will be able to carry a heavy object with ease.
Motivation
This design project was done on behalf of the design project-based course in my program. We were tasked with providing a mechanical solution to an existing problem relating to COVID-19 or to a targeted group of people. We chose to design a solution for a problem that was quite common. That problem was carrying heavy and large items up a staircase. We drew inspiration from existing solutions to carrying heavy objects up the stairs (such as stairlifts) and incorporated that into our overall design process.
Objective & Engineering Design Specifications
Objective & Engineering Design Specifications
To provide a mechanical solution of lifting heaving objects up and down the stairs
Targeting those who have trouble lifting heavy and large objects
Through needs analysis, we noticed that carrying large and heavy items upstairs can be hazardous to one's physical health. Using a special device or system, heavy objects can be more easily brought up or downstairs.
Needs Statement: A need exists for a system that moves various masses less than 400lb a determined amount up or down a staircase while costing less than $500 [1].
Non-Functional Requirements [1]
Must not damage staircase in any form
Wall support must not damage the staircase in any form
Easy to operate
Functional Requirements [1]
Must meet all safety requirements for this classification of the device
Weight supported more than 400 lbs
Material cost less than $500 CAD
Mass of individual components less than 25 lbs
Components
Components
Sled Platform
Sled Platform
The sled platform is the component of the machine that securely holds the heavy/large object that needs to be lifted up the stairs. It is made up mostly of acrylic, and features a solid yet flat bottom and reinforced back support, making it very robust under heavy loads, allowing it to achieve the intended strength and safety requirements. This platform is designed for manufacturing (DFM), with the ability for all components of the sled to be CNC machined easily, and assembled together through the milled slots in each component.
Wall Support System
Wall Support System
The main support system is the most integral component of this device. It houses the winch, power supply and telescopic rod for the winch wire. This support structure utlizizes the walls located at the top of astaircase to support the loads on the whole system, by resting against the walls (like an anchor). Padded materials on either side ensure no damae is done to the wall. The winch used was a DC winch, but with a switching power supply, can be easily plugged into the wall. This system is also made mainly from acrylic.
Design Analysis
Design Analysis
The design of both components was verified through calculations and SolidWorks Simulations. Under the maximum load that we intended (420 lbs), the system would face 1.5 kN of force. Through a simulation run on both the Sled and Wall support system, the wall support only deflected a maximum of 0.110 mm, and the sled only 7.45 mm. Both were acceptable since they were within our intended design specification.
Important Note:
This project was completed under the supervision of the ME101 course at the University of Waterloo. This project was also completed in joint with two other students, and so I am not taking full credit for all work done in this project.
A detailed design report was written about this project and the report can be viewed upon request due to privacy and copyright concerns.
[1] "ME101: Deployable Winch System on Staircase," University of Waterloo. 29-July-2021. Available: Hidden Link.
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