Adjustable Lifting Device for Load Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices cannot effectively lift load elements, such as metal rods, from storage devices with skids or other structures on their underside, as the distance between these structures is less than the distance between the stanchions, preventing the lifting device from entering and covering the entire width of the storage device.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjustable lifting mechanism that narrows to fit through the opening and widens to cover the entire storage device width, utilizing a single actuating element and a guide device to change the width of the lifting device during the lifting movement, allowing it to lift load elements efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the lifting device is designed with fixed width to cover the entire storage device width, then it can lift all load elements, but it cannot enter through the bottom opening due to skids obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device incorporates a dynamic width adjustment mechanism that allows it to change its transverse width during operation. The device enters the storage device in a narrowed state to pass between the skids, then widens to its full operational width to engage and lift all load elements between the stanchions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device features nested structural components that allow sections to telescoping or folding movements. The support beams and lifting elements can be positioned closer together for entry, then expanded outward to span the full width of the storage device, effectively nesting the compact entry configuration within the expanded operational configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuating elements are added to adjust the width of the lifting device, then the width can be changed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device utilizes its own lifting movement to automatically trigger the width adjustment mechanism. As the single actuating element raises the device, the guide device converts part of this vertical motion into lateral movement of the support beams, causing them to spread outward automatically without requiring separate actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the width adjustment function with the lifting function by integrating the guide device into the lifting mechanism. The same actuating element that provides lifting motion also, through the guide device's geometric configuration, provides the lateral spreading motion needed for width adjustment, merging two functions into one actuator.
3Device complexity
If the lifting device maintains constant width during lifting, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot both enter through the opening and cover the entire storage width
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device incorporates a dynamic width adjustment mechanism that allows it to change its transverse width during operation. The device enters the storage device in a narrowed state to pass between the skids, then widens to its full operational width to engage and lift all load elements between the stanchions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has an operating element (4) i.e. cylinder piston unit, for effecting a lifting movement (H) of a lifting unit (3). A guiding unit (5) i.e. rail guide, adjusts width (B) of the lifting unit to a preset value from an area, during a phase of the movement, so that the lifting unit is retractable via an opening (2d) in a storage unit (2) i.e. cartridge. The guiding unit adjusts the width to another preset value from another area, during another phase of the movement, so that the load element is lifted by the lifting unit from the storage unit.