Design and Fabrication of a Material Lift Machine

Abstract

This article describes the design, and implementation of a prototype of a self-propelled material lifter with high payload capacity, used to lift materials to the roofs of two-story buildings. It uses a gravity clamping mechanism inspired by pole-climbing robots used to maintain highway light poles, wind turbines, and palm trees. This will solve the problem that homeowners and small business owners face when having to lift materials onto the rooftops. Current alternatives such as cranes, bucket trucks or scaffolding, lead to storage problems and excessive costs. This prototype is light enough for one person lift and compact enough to carry it on an average size car cargo area. These two characteristics are possible by utilizing economical lumber as the body structure. The machine will clamp the 2 x 6 lumber with an A shape point of contact and roll up its edges to the required height. Key Terms: Climbing, friction, lifter, portable.