Height positioning device and blackboard system incorporating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height positioning devices for panels, such as blackboards and displays, face challenges with heavy counterweights that make them difficult to transport and prone to unwanted movement, leading to noise and potential damage, and gas spring mechanisms that require additional aids to maintain a set height due to progressive force imbalance.
Innovation Solution
A height positioning device incorporating a gas spring and a flexible traction means, like a roller chain, guided around a deflection element, where the roller chain's mass compensates for the progressive force of the gas spring, ensuring balanced forces on both sides of the deflection element to maintain stable height adjustment without additional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If heavy counterweights are used to balance the whiteboard weight, then the whiteboard can remain stationary at any height, but the system weight increases making it difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light counterweight that is significantly lighter than traditional counterweights. The counterweight is coupled to the whiteboard via a cable or chain element and is arranged vertically adjustable in or on the whiteboard frame. The counterweight balances the weight of the whiteboards including all fittings and fastening elements, allowing the whiteboard to remain stationary at any height without additional measures.
2Ease of operation
If heavy counterweights are used to balance the whiteboard, then height adjustment is achieved, but the whiteboard continues to move slightly after user releases it, causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic stop elements that are pre-positioned to engage with the light counterweight when the whiteboard reaches the upper or lower height limits. These stop elements are arranged to be engaged by the light counterweight, preventing the whiteboard from striking at the end positions. The elastic nature of the stop elements allows them to absorb the counterweight's movement and prevent unwanted movements of the carrying system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic stop elements are added to prevent whiteboard striking, then noise and damage are reduced, but the carrying system including counterweight experiences unwanted movements due to anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vertically adjustable stop elements that can be positioned at different heights to accommodate the dynamic range of motion of the light counterweight. The stop elements are elastic, allowing them to flex and absorb the counterweight's movement rather than creating rigid anchors that would cause unwanted movements. This dynamic approach maintains carrying system stability while preventing harmful striking at the height limits.
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 simple, convenient, and space-saving height adjustment of heavy bodies with minimal effort, ensuring the panel remains stable at the set height without user force, reducing noise and extending the lifespan of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring
Implementation Method 2
the roller chain's mass compensates for the progressive force of the gas spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a height positioning device 1, comprising: a) a body 2 positionable at a height H between an upper height H2 and a lower height H1, wherein: lower height H1 ≤ H ≤ upper height H2; and b) at least one support system 3 coupled to the body 2, comprising b1) a gas spring 4, 9, b2) a flexible tension member 5, and b3) at least one deflection element 6, 7 around which the flexible tension member 5 is guided, wherein the gas spring 4, 9 is located on a first side S1 of the deflection element 6 and the body 2 on a second side S2 of the deflection element 6, and the flexible tension member is a roller chain 5 which, due to its weight, substantially compensates for any progression of the gas spring 4, wherein the at least one deflection element 6, 7 is a sprocket or a chain pulley. The invention further relates to a panel system that incorporates this height positioning device.