Delivery Table Height Adjustment Using Multi-Location Paddle Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional height-adjustable delivery tables require users to move around the table to locate and operate a single handle for height adjustment, which is inconvenient and not cost-effective for wide-range applications.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustment system with paddle assemblies mounted on the corners of the table top, operatively coupled to an assist cylinder actuator via a linkage, allowing manual operation from multiple locations and eliminating the need for supplemental biasing components, using a resiliently biased assist cylinder to maintain the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single handle for height adjustment is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must move around the table to locate and operate the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The single handle operation is segmented into multiple paddle actuators distributed at the four corners of the table top. Each paddle assembly independently connects to the assist cylinder actuator, allowing users to operate the height adjustment from any corner position without moving around the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assemblies provide universal access to the height adjustment function from multiple locations on the table top. Each paddle serves the same function of actuating the assist cylinder, making the system multi-functional in terms of operational access points while maintaining a unified height adjustment mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If multiple paddle assemblies with linkage are added, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple paddle assemblies are merged into a unified system through the common assist cylinder actuator. The linkage mechanism combines the motion from any paddle into a single actuation point, reducing the effective complexity by consolidating multiple input points into one functional output.
Solution Approach 2:
The assist cylinder actuator serves as an intermediary between the multiple paddle assemblies and the height adjustment mechanism. This intermediary component receives input from any paddle and translates it into the appropriate actuation motion, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If supplemental biasing components are added, then the reliability of locked position is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assist cylinder is designed to be self-biasing, using its own internal mechanical properties to maintain the locked position without requiring external supplemental biasing components. The cylinder's inherent design provides the necessary holding force, eliminating the need for additional springs or biasing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Supplemental biasing components are extracted from the system by relying on the assist cylinder's intrinsic biasing capability. This removal of unnecessary components simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the reliability of the locked position through the cylinder's own design features.
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustment system for a delivery table or the like having a table top supported upon a height adjustable column with an assist cylinder. The system includes an actuator assembly to operate the assist cylinder from manual actuators, such as paddles, located approximately in four corners of table top. The system may include a pair of paddle assemblies mounted under the table top on opposite sides of said assist cylinder. The paddle assemblies may be coupled to the assist cylinder by a linear linkage that translates pivotal movement of a paddle into linear movement sufficient to actuate the assist cylinder. The linear linkage may include a straight drive rod coupled to one paddle assembly and an offset drive rod coupled to the other paddle assembly. The linear linkage may also include a pivot arm to reverse movement of the offset drive rod.