Chain-Driven Pantograph Lift for Non-Barycentric Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pantograph-type lifting systems in automatic warehouses and other fields face issues with weight, size, and the high power requirements of hydraulic actuating means, which are also hazardous, and struggle with lifting non-barycentric loads.
Innovation Solution
A pantograph-type lifting system with reduced weight and size, utilizing a chain-type actuating system with toothed pulleys and electric motor-reducers, and incorporating telescopic forks to support containers, allowing for efficient lifting of non-barycentric loads with minimal motor effort and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic actuating means are used in pantograph-type lifting systems, then lifting power and force are improved, but system weight increases, size increases, and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuating system with a purely mechanical chain-driven system. The motor (13) drives a chain (18) that directly actuates the scissor mechanism through mechanical advantage, eliminating hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, hoses, and actuators. This substitution maintains sufficient lifting force through mechanical leverage while dramatically reducing system weight and eliminating hydraulic fluid hazards.
2Power
If hydraulic actuating means are used in pantograph-type lifting systems, then lifting power is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic system with a simple mechanical chain drive system. The motor (13) connects directly to the chain (18) which engages with the scissor mechanism, eliminating multiple hydraulic components (pump, reservoir, valves, hoses, actuators). This mechanical substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining lifting power through the inherent mechanical advantage of the scissor configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional pantograph design is used, then structural stability is maintained, but weight and size are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the traditional pantograph design, specifically eliminating the heavy hydraulic actuating system, pump, reservoir, and associated plumbing. By taking out these redundant weight-carrying components and replacing them with a lightweight chain-driven mechanism, the patent achieves the same structural stability with significantly reduced weight.
4Productivity
If motor means with high power are used to drive pantograph systems, then lifting capability is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a motor (13) that provides just enough power to drive the chain (18) and actuate the scissor mechanism through mechanical advantage. Rather than using a high-power motor that would be required for direct lifting, the system uses the mechanical leverage of the scissor configuration to amplify the motor's output, allowing a lower-power motor to achieve the same lifting capability with reduced energy consumption.
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 achieves reduced weight and size, minimal motor effort, reliability, and cost-effectiveness while enabling the lifting of non-barycentric loads with a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a chain-type actuating system of the levers (7, 8) comprising at least one chain (30) placed around a first pulley (33) and with a second pulley (34) rotatable connected to the respective levers (7, 8), said chain-type actuating system being configured to transfer the motion from motor means (36) to the levers (7, 8) through said pulleys (33, 34)
Data Source
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AI summary
A pantograph-type lifting system (1) is described, comprising a base (2); a platform (3) connected to the base (2) by means of a pair of levers each comprising a first lever (7) and a second lever (8) mutually hinged in a fulcrum (12), the first lever (7) having a lower end hinged to the base (2) in a fixed spot, and an upper end sliding connected to the platform (3), the second lever (8) having a lower end sliding connected to the base (2), and an upper end hinged to the platform (3) in a fixed spot; a chain-type actuating system (40) of the levers (7, 8) comprising one chain (30) meshed with a first toothed pulley (33) and with a second toothed pulley (34) rotatable connected to the respective levers (7, 8), the chain-type actuating system (40) being configured to transfer the motion from motor means (36) to the levers (7, 8) through the toothed pulleys (33, 34) in order to approach or move away the ends of the levers (7, 8) with a scissors- like movement to lift or lower the platform (3).