Foldable Parallelogram Support Structure for High Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical and therapeutic support structures for devices like chairs and beds are either too large and space-consuming for stability or too small with low load capacity, making them unsuitable for various applications, particularly in podiatry settings.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support structure with a foldable double parallelogram construction, featuring synchronized levers and a spindle motor for stepless adjustment, allowing for compact storage and high load distribution, enabling simultaneous movement of lifting segments for space-saving and high load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large construction is used to ensure stability, then stability is improved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple lifting segments (first lifting segment, second lifting segment) that can be independently adjusted. Each segment has its own parallelogram construction with reversing levers, allowing the structure to be segmented into functional modules that can be compacted when not in use, reducing space consumption while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static large construction to a dynamic foldable structure. The parallelogram constructions with articulated reversing levers enable the segments to fold and unfold, allowing the structure to be compact for storage and expanded when needed, thus reducing space consumption while maintaining stability during use.
2Area of stationary object
If a small construction is used to save space, then space consumption is reduced, but load capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented across multiple parallelogram constructions (first and second lifting segments). Each segment contributes to the overall load capacity, allowing the structure to be compact while distributing the load across multiple articulated components, thereby maintaining high load capacity in a space-efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple parallelogram constructions are merged into a unified foldable structure. The first and second lifting segments are combined through the intermediate member and synchronous lever, creating a compact structure that integrates multiple load-bearing elements, thus achieving high load capacity without increasing space consumption.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple lifting segments are coupled to ensure stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallelogram construction serves multiple functions: it provides structural stability, enables foldability for compact storage, and facilitates synchronized movement of lifting segments. The reversing levers and synchronous lever system are multi-functional components that coordinate the movement of multiple segments while maintaining stability, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and thereby simplifying the overall construction.
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 structure provides a compact, high-capacity support system that can be easily adjusted for different positions, suitable for medical and therapeutic applications, while also being adaptable for various spatial directions and load sizes, including ceiling or wall mounting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one drive element (32) and a motor (36) for driving the drive element (32), in particular a spindle motor
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable support structure (10) for a medical and/or therapeutic device has a lifting and lowering mechanism with at least two lifting segments (10a, 10b). The lifting segments (10a, 10b) are arranged above and below an intermediate member (20), which has at least one elongated hole (34), and each is composed of the intermediate member (20), at least one bracket (40, 50), and at least two deflection levers (12, 16, 22, 26) articulated to the intermediate member and bracket, and are coupled to one another. The lifting segments have the form of a parallelogram construction.By providing a synchronizing lever (30) articulated to the lifting segments (10a, 10b) for coupling between the lifting segments, wherein the synchronizing lever (30) has at least two stabilizer levers (14, 24) articulated to each other, the articulated bearing of which is positively guided in the elongated hole (34) of the intermediate member (20), an adjustable support structure is created which is both space-saving and can handle high loads.