Adjustable lift system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift systems for electronic displays and workstations are inflexible and unable to accommodate a wide range of weights, making them unsuitable for shared workspaces where multiple users with varying needs interact with the same equipment.
Innovation Solution
A lift mechanism with a counterbalance mechanism that adjusts to accommodate a wide range of weights by varying the tension of energy storage members, such as springs, and adjusting the angle of these members to generate a suitable lift force, allowing for flexible positioning of loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lift mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate a wide range of weights
Solution Approach 1:
The lift mechanism incorporates adjustable components including energy storage members (springs) with variable tension, adjustable arms with changeable angles, and height-adjustable support structures. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt to different weight ranges by modifying the mechanical configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and weight adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing users to adjust the tension of energy storage members, modify the angle of support arms, and change the height of support structures. These parameter adjustments permit the lift mechanism to accommodate various weights without requiring a complete redesign of the structure, thus balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lift force is fixed, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot accommodate multiple users with varying weights
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance mechanism features adjustable arms that can change their angle relative to the support structure, and energy storage members whose tension can be modified. These dynamic adjustments enable the mechanism to provide appropriate counterbalance force for different user weights, resolving the contradiction between fixed lift force and multi-user adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a counterbalance mechanism with adjustable arms and energy storage members that generate opposing forces to offset the weight of the display and user. By adjusting the arm angles and spring tension, the counterbalance force can be tailored to match different weight combinations, thereby accommodating multiple users with varying weights while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lift mechanism is fixed for a specific weight, then manufacturing is simple, but it is unsuitable for shared workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The lift mechanism is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable support arms, modifiable energy storage member tension, and height-adjustable support structures. These features enable a single mechanism to serve multiple functions across different weight ranges and user configurations, making it suitable for shared workspaces while avoiding the need for multiple specialized mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as movable arms with variable angles, height-adjustable supports, and energy storage members with changeable tension. These dynamic features allow the system to adapt to different users and equipment configurations in shared workspaces, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and workspace versatility.
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 system provides adjustable and balanced lifting capabilities, enabling efficient use of electronic displays and workstations in shared environments by accommodating different user weights and equipment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
varying the tension of energy storage members, such as springs
Data Source
AI summary
A lift system is designed for raising and lowering a load. The lift system can include a movable portion in sliding engagement with a fixed portion. The lift system can be configured to translate the load coupled to the movable portion relative to the fixed portion. The lift system can also include a counterbalance mechanism having an arm rotatably coupled to the fixed portion, and one or more springs coupled to the arm and the fixed portion. The arm can be operably coupled to the movable portion through a cord. As the movable portion translates, the arm can rotate to deflect the one or more springs to provide a lift force to offset the weight of the load.