Electrically height-adjustable table and method for controlling the latter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically height-adjustable tables face challenges in correctly detecting collisions due to the inability to position sensor devices in any desired orientation, leading to increased production costs and potential damage or injury from collisions.
Innovation Solution
An electrically height-adjustable table equipped with a sensor device comprising a three-axis acceleration sensor and a three-axis gyroscope, integrated in a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) component, which allows for any desired positioning and orientation, enabling detection of initial and temporal inclination changes by capturing acceleration components and angular velocity, and comparing them with predefined limits to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensor devices are used for collision detection, then the table can detect collisions, but the sensor devices cannot be positioned in any desired orientation, leading to increased production costs and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed with a universal mounting capability that allows it to be positioned in any desired orientation on the tabletop. The sensor unit can be attached at different locations and angles using a standardized mounting mechanism, making the system adaptable to various installation scenarios without requiring orientation-specific sensor models or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional sensor devices are used for collision detection, then the table can detect collisions, but production costs increase due to limited positioning options
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device employs a universal mounting mechanism that allows installation in any orientation without requiring multiple specialized sensor units. This single versatile sensor design reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce and inventory multiple orientation-specific sensor variants, while maintaining reliable collision detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device incorporates adjustable mounting parameters including orientation angles and positioning locations. By allowing the sensor to be mounted in various orientations using a standardized interface, the system maintains reliable collision detection across different installation scenarios while reducing production costs through standardized manufacturing processes.
3Productivity
If the table moves at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damage and injury from collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device continuously monitors the tabletop's movement and provides real-time feedback to the control system. When a collision is detected through changes in acceleration or orientation parameters, the sensor immediately signals the control unit to interrupt or reverse the motor-driven movement, enabling safe high-speed operation by providing rapid collision response.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is positioned to detect potential collisions before they cause significant damage. By monitoring movement parameters continuously during high-speed adjustment, the system can identify approaching obstacles and take preventive action by stopping or reversing movement before serious harm occurs.
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
Enables accurate collision detection and prevention by allowing sensor devices to be positioned without tools, reducing production costs and ensuring safety by stopping the table's movement upon collision detection.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device comprises a three-axis acceleration sensor for determining the absolute inclination of the tabletop
Implementation Method 2
a three-axis gyroscope, preferably integral therewith, for determining the temporal inclination change of the tabletop
Implementation Method 3
contains a piezoelectric material and is a piezoelectric diaphragm for generating sound signals. A bending change of an attachment location of the movable part is captured by the sensor upon collision of the movable part with an obstacle by changing a compression or extension of the piezoelectric material in the event of the bending change of the location of the movable part and generating an electrical signal by means of the piezoelectric material
Data Source
AI summary
Electrically height-adjustable table (10) comprising: an electrically height-adjustable base frame (14), a tabletop (12) which is arranged at or on the base frame (14), a drive device for adjusting the height of the base frame (14)/the tabletop (12), wherein the drive device is fastened to the base frame (14) or to the tabletop (12) and comprises at least one electric motor, a control device (70) and an operating device for operating the control device (70), and a sensor device (72) for detecting an initial absolute inclination of the tabletop (12) upon receiving an input of a movement command via the operating device and for detecting a subsequent absolute inclination and a subsequent temporal inclination change of the tabletop (12) during the movement of the tabletop (12) up or down according to the movement command, wherein the sensor device (72) comprises a three-axis acceleration sensor (74) for determining the absolute inclination of the tabletop (12) and a three-axis gyroscope (73), preferably integrally therewith, for determining the temporal inclination change of the tabletop (12).