Height-Adjustable Pick-Up Device Brake Control for Force Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable pick-up devices with gas pressure springs face issues where changes in weight force, such as adding or removing objects, can lead to imbalances, causing undesired height adjustments and potential user injury when the brake is released, as the spring force may not adequately compensate the weight force.
Innovation Solution
A pick-up device equipped with a sensor to determine the forces acting on the unit when the brake is locked, and control means to adjust the brake's position based on this measurement, ensuring the device remains balanced and adjustable only when the forces are in equilibrium, preventing unwanted height changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake is used to lock the pick-up unit at a desired height, then the pick-up unit can be kept in balance at that height, but if the weight force changes during locking, the spring force may no longer compensate the weight force, causing undesired height adjustment after brake release
Solution Approach 1:
The brake is actuated before releasing the locking mechanism to ensure the pick-up unit is securely held at the desired height before any weight changes occur. This preliminary braking action prevents unintended height adjustments when objects are added or removed from the pick-up unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the weight force on the pick-up unit and adjusts the brake actuation accordingly. When weight changes are detected, the control system automatically actuates the brake to maintain balance, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures height stability while allowing convenient operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring force is dimensioned to compensate for the gravitational force of the pick-up unit, then the pick-up unit can be kept in balance, but if objects are added or removed, the balance is disrupted causing the pick-up unit to move up or down
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system dynamically adapts to changing weight conditions by automatically actuating when weight changes are detected. Instead of using a fixed spring force design, the system introduces a dynamic control element that adjusts braking based on real-time weight conditions, allowing the pick-up unit to maintain balance whether objects are added or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the braking parameter (brake actuation state) in response to weight changes. When the detected weight force deviates from the expected range, the system modifies the brake's engagement level to restore force balance, enabling the system to adapt to varying loads while maintaining stability.
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 solution ensures the pick-up unit remains balanced and adjustable only when the user intends to change the height, preventing injuries and maintaining the desired height adjustment, by dynamically adjusting the spring force to match the weight force through the use of a sensor and control system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas pressure spring (7) which is designed to compensate for forces acting on the pick-up unit (2)
Implementation Method 2
a brake (6) which is designed to take up a first position and a second position, wherein the brake in the first position locks the pick-up unit (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pick-up device with a height-adjustable pick-up unit and at least one gas pressure spring designed to compensate for forces acting on the holding unit.