Adjustable Lift Support Assemblies with Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lifts are not easily adjustable for differently-sized loads, can damage sensitive loads during lifting and unloading, and often have load-supporting assemblies that are prone to damage and costly to replace.
Innovation Solution
A load-supporting apparatus with adjustable support assemblies and a linkage system that allows for flexible positioning and stabilization of loads, enabling easy mounting and dismounting from a lift without the need for separate tools or mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lifts use fixed load-supporting assemblies, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to differently-sized loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load-supporting assembly is divided into modular components: bases, slides, linkages, and lock assemblies. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or replaced. The slides can be positioned at different locations along the bases, and linkages can be adjusted to change the spacing between support assemblies, enabling adaptation to various load sizes while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The load-supporting assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The slides move along the bases to change support positions, and the linkages adjust to modify the distance between support assemblies. Lock assemblies secure the dynamic components in desired positions, providing adaptability while maintaining stability during operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional lifts use bottom-supported loading platforms, then load support is provided, but damage to sensitive loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting loads from the bottom with a platform, the invention inverts the approach by using overhead suspension through slides that can grip or contact the load from above. This inversion eliminates direct bottom support that could damage sensitive equipment while providing stable suspension during lifting and positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The slides act as intermediary elements between the load-supporting apparatus and the actual load. They can be positioned to contact specific parts of the load without requiring direct platform support, and the abutments on the slides provide controlled contact points that stabilize the load during movement without causing damage
3Ease of operation
If conventional lifts use suspended load-supporting assemblies, then load stabilization is achieved, but ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assemblies are designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external tools or complex mechanisms. The user can easily engage or disengage the locks to secure or adjust the slide positions, and the self-contained design of each lock assembly allows for simple maintenance and replacement, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable load stabilization when locked
4Ease of repair
If conventional lifts use fixed load-supporting assemblies, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into discrete, standardized components with uniform interfaces. Bases, slides, linkages, and lock assemblies can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, then assembled or replaced as needed. This segmentation enables easy replacement of individual components without replacing the entire assembly, improving ease of repair while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows individual components to be discarded or replaced independently when damaged or worn. The standardized interfaces enable quick removal of faulty components and installation of replacements, and the reusable nature of the modular components reduces overall replacement costs and complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A load-supporting apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies each including a base, and a slide, formed with an abutment, mounted to the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base. The support assemblies extend in the same direction, and a linkage assembly interconnects the slides and enables adjustment of the support assemblies toward and away from one another. The abutments of the slides define contact points that engage and stabilize a load relative to the support assemblies, when the load is supported by the slides. The bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mountable releasably to a lift operable for raising and lowering the load-supporting apparatus between raised and lowered positions. The support assemblies are enabled for adjustment toward and away from one another via the linkage assembly, when the bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mounted releasably to the lift.