Counterbalance System Using Eccentric Cams and Resilient Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counterbalancing systems for medical and industrial applications are inadequate as they often require high torque motors, can cause harm in malfunctions, and become unadjustable during power failures, failing to provide efficient and safe counterbalancing solutions for varying payloads.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalance system utilizing two resilient members with eccentric cams to generate torque equilibrium, allowing for the counterbalancing of payloads with minimal user effort and maintaining stability even in power failures, using a passive counterbalancing mechanism with low-torque motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high torque motors are used to counterbalance the load weight, then the counterbalancing force is sufficient, but the system becomes dangerous in case of malfunction and requires more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spring-based counterbalancing mechanism where springs are configured to exert a force that counteracts the gravitational force on the payload. The spring force naturally adjusts to balance the load without requiring high-torque motors, thereby providing sufficient counterbalancing force while eliminating the dangerous effects of motorized systems during malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and potentially dangerous high-torque motors with simpler, more reliable spring mechanisms. Springs are inherently safer as they cannot actively drive the arm into a patient during malfunction, and they require less energy while providing adequate counterbalancing force.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional motors with brakes are used to prevent slumping during power failure, then stability is maintained, but the arm becomes fully locked and unadjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-based counterbalancing system that dynamically adapts to maintain stability without locking. The springs continuously adjust their force to counteract gravity, allowing the arm to remain stable during power failures while still being manually adjustable when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a single rigid arm with spring counterbalance is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying payload masses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures multiple springs with different characteristics (varying spring rates, pre-loads, and orientations) to create a universal counterbalancing system. This multi-spring arrangement can adapt to different payload masses and center of gravity positions while maintaining the simplicity of a rigid arm structure, thus achieving both structural simplicity and adaptability to varying payloads.
4Device complexity
If coiled spring assemblies with fixed uniform spring rate are used, then the structure is simple, but they are not adjustable when mass varies requiring device swap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple springs with different characteristics that can be selectively engaged or adjusted based on payload mass. This dynamic spring configuration allows the system to adapt to varying masses without requiring complete device swaps, maintaining structural simplicity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the counterbalancing function into multiple independent spring assemblies rather than using a single fixed spring. Each spring can be independently adjusted or configured, allowing the system to accommodate varying payload masses while maintaining the simplicity of individual spring components.
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 enables efficient and safe counterbalancing of payloads with minimal user effort, maintaining stability and safety during power failures, and allowing for easy adjustment of the counterbalancing force to accommodate varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
a payload (K1) member, a payload compensation (K2) member and an actuator compensation (K3) member... the payload (K1) and the payload compensation (K2) members may be adapted to transfer a support energy during movement of the payload arm between the load-bearing and neutral positions
Implementation Method 2
A counterbalance system utilizing two resilient members with eccentric cams to generate torque equilibrium
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a counterbalance system for moving a payload and a method for counterbalancing the payload. The system and method comprise a resilient member that is in communication with the payload to be moved and two resilient members that are in communication with either end of the first resilient member. An actuator is in communication with the first and third resilient members and a payload arm, attached to the payload, is in communication with the first and second resilient members. The resilient members may be compressed and relaxed during movement of the actuator and the payload arm so that energy may be transferred between the system and the payload to counterbalance the weight of the payload.