Lift Device With Coupled Drives for Synchronized Support Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift devices lack efficient mechanisms for synchronized movement of multiple upright support members between lowered and raised positions, particularly in boom lifts or aerial work platforms, which can complicate operation and stability.
Innovation Solution
A lift device with a support member arrangement comprising first, second, and third upright support members, each movably associated with the next, and a drive system with synchronized first and second drive members connected to these support members, allowing coordinated movement between positions using actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple upright support members are used to increase lift height and stability, then the lift device can achieve greater elevation and improved stability, but the mechanism for coordinating their movement becomes more complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive members (first drive member and second drive member) into a single integrated drive system that coordinates the movement of multiple upright support members. The drive members are coupled such that they provide synchronized movement, merging their functions into a unified mechanism controlled by a single actuator, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the drive members and upright support members. This coupling system acts as a mediator that translates single actuator motion into coordinated movement of multiple support members, simplifying control while ensuring synchronized operation and maintaining structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If independent drive mechanisms are used for each upright support member to enable individual control, then each member can be adjusted independently, but the overall device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive functions into a single integrated drive system where the first and second drive members are coupled together. This unified mechanism provides coordinated control of multiple upright support members through one actuator, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to control each member's position through the coupled mechanism.
3Device complexity
If synchronized movement of multiple upright support members is achieved through a single actuator, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the mechanism for ensuring precise coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a coupling mechanism as an intermediary that precisely translates the motion of a single actuator into synchronized movement of multiple drive members and upright support members. This intermediary coupling system ensures precise coordination and synchronization without requiring complex control systems, maintaining manufacturing precision while simplifying overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift device may comprise a support member arrangement including a first upright support member, a second upright support member movably associated with the first upright support member, and a third upright support member movably associated with the second upright support member. The lift device may also include a drive system that is operable to move the support member arrangement between a lowered position and a raised position. The drive system may include first and second drive members and an actuator for moving the first and second drive members. The first drive member may be movably associated with the second upright support member and fixedly connected to the first upright support member and the third upright support member, and the second drive member may be movably associated with the third upright support member and fixedly connected to the second upright support member.