Lift Actuator Linkage for High- and Low-Range Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lifting devices, such as patient lifts, are limited by the range of vertical motion and speed due to the use of fixed lift actuators, leading to increased costs when seeking greater flexibility, as more expensive actuators with extended ranges and adjustable speeds are required.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a lift arm that can be positioned in high and low range positions using a linkage member or carriage system, allowing the lift actuator to be selectively positioned, thereby extending the vertical range and adjusting the speed of motion without replacing the existing actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a fixed lift actuator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vertical range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lift arm system is segmented into multiple positionable configurations using a linkage member with selectable connection points. This allows the vertical range of motion to be extended without requiring a completely new actuator design, as the existing actuator works in conjunction with the segmented linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage member enables dynamic reconfiguration of the lift arm geometry by allowing selection between different connection points. This dynamic adaptability extends the vertical range of motion while maintaining compatibility with the fixed actuator, resolving the contradiction between range extension and system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lift actuator with extended range and adjustable speed is used, then the vertical range of motion and speed adjustability are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage member provides dynamic geometric adjustment that enables variable speed characteristics without requiring an expensive adjustable-speed actuator. By changing the effective lever arm length through selective connection points, the system achieves speed variation while using a standard fixed-speed actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed actuator and the lift arm, translating the actuator's motion into variable-speed lift arm movement through geometric relationships. This mediator enables speed adjustability without modifying the actuator itself, thereby avoiding increased costs.
3Length of moving object
If a fixed pivot point connection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the range of vertical motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the lift arm and linkage member is segmented into multiple discrete connection points along the lift arm. This segmentation allows selection of different effective pivot points to extend the vertical range of motion while keeping the physical connection mechanism simple and compatible with existing actuator designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Lifting devices for positioning a lift actuator in a high range position and a low range position are disclosed. The lifting devices may include a lift mast, a lift arm pivotally coupled to the lift mast, a lift actuator having a first end and a second end, and a linkage member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the lift actuator is pivotally coupled to the lift mast. The first end of the linkage member is pivotally coupled to the lift arm and the second end of the linkage member is pivotally coupled to the second end of the lift actuator such that the lift actuator includes a high range position relative to the lift arm and a low range position relative to the lift arm.