Length and Force Compensation Device for Height-Adjustable Masses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for height-adjustable masses require large installation spaces due to non-tangential forces caused by the imbalance of the center of gravity, which increases with height, necessitating large springs to absorb these forces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lever and a curve segment with a non-linear force compensation mechanism, where the lower deflection pulley is attached to the rocker arm, allowing the chain or cable to compensate for length changes and the spring for force adjustments, reducing the need for extensive space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a large spring is used to absorb the non-tangential force on the rope, then the force compensation is improved, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce compensationVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the force compensation function into two separate components: a spring for force compensation and a curve-guided lever for length compensation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the spring to be smaller since it only needs to handle force compensation while the lever handles the length variation, thereby reducing the overall installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a curve segment (cam profile) that guides the lever arm during rotation. This curved geometry automatically compensates for the changing rope length as the height-adjustable mass rotates, eliminating the need for a large spring to absorb length variations. The curvature transforms the linear spring action into a rotational motion that naturally adapts to the varying geometry, reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If a linear force system (spring) is used, then the force compensation is simplified, but the imbalance during straightening cannot be fully absorbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce system complexityVSAvoidimbalance absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the compensation functions: the spring provides simple linear force compensation while the curve-guided lever provides length compensation. This division allows the simple linear spring to focus solely on force absorption without needing to complexly accommodate length variations, which are handled by the geometric curve profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The curve-guided lever acts as an intermediary between the linear spring force system and the rotating mass. It translates the linear spring force into a rotational moment that compensates for the varying imbalance, mediating between the simple linear force input and the complex rotational dynamics of the height-adjustable mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration effectively absorbs the imbalance with reduced space requirements, optimizing length and force compensation by leveraging the rocker arm and spring interaction.

Implementation Method 1

the height adjustment is carried out with the support of a spring force or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a spring and fixed deflection rollers or the like, as well as a cable that wraps or runs around both

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a rope is laid around the pivot bearing, which is pulled by the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 4

the integration of a lever (rocker arm) and a curve segment that interacts with it on the height adjuster

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2183541B1Length and force compensation device
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 RHEINMETALL LANDSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP2183541B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2183541B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the invention, a length and force compensation device is produced by integrating working means/means working in a non-linear manner in order to absorb the unbalance produced when aligning a height-adjustable mass about a pivot bearing (3), when using a linear force system (6). Said length and force compensation device can comprise in a simple form, for example, a spring and stationary deflection rollers (4, 5) or similar, in addition to a cable that surrounds both the spring and the rollers, preferably a chain (2). Said chain (2) is functionally connected to the pivot bearing (3) on one side and to the spring (6) on the other side.