Manual Force Reduction Device Using Pre-compressed Spring Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The movement of heavy palletizers within a factory often requires significant manual exertion from individuals, as existing methods lack a cost-effective and simple solution to reduce the initial force required to initiate movement.
Innovation Solution
A manual force reduction device with an energy storage mechanism, comprising a coil spring and latch system, that stores energy when compressed and releases it to assist in moving the load, reducing the force needed by an individual to initiate movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to move heavy palletizers, then the palletizer can be moved, but significant manual exertion is required to initiate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-compressed before use, storing potential energy that is then released to assist in initiating the movement of the palletizer. This preliminary action reduces the manual force required at the moment of initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides a periodic assisting force during the initiation phase of movement, then the mechanism transitions to a different state where the spring is less active. This periodic assistance is applied only when needed most - during the difficult initiation phase.
2Force
If complex mechanisms like hydraulics are used to reduce force, then force reduction is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or electronic force reduction systems with a simple mechanical spring-based mechanism. The spring provides force assistance through basic elastic deformation, eliminating the need for hydraulics, electronics, or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily replaced if needed. It provides the necessary force reduction capability without the complexity and cost of hydraulic systems, making it a cost-efficient solution for the application.
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 device effectively reduces the manual force required to move heavy loads by transferring stored energy to the load, making it easier for individuals to initiate movement without the need for complex electronics or hydraulics, thus enhancing user safety and reducing exertion.
Implementation Method 1
The energy storage mechanism can have a contact plate, a backing plate, and a coil spring. The coil spring can be located between the contact plate and the backing plate and be compressed therebetween when the contact plate is displaced in a first direction.
Implementation Method 2
the coil spring can be compressed a first amount and in the released position the coil spring may or may not be compressed a second amount, the second amount being less than the first amount
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a manual force reduction device for reducing a force required to initiate movement of a load by a separate mechanism. The device can have an energy storage mechanism that has a compressed position and a released position, and the energy storage mechanism can be operable to store a predetermined amount of energy when it is in the compressed position. A latch can be included and be used to hold the energy storage mechanism in the compressed position. At a desired time, a latch release can release the energy storage mechanism from the compressed position such that the predetermined amount of energy is released and transferred to the load.