Lift Assembly Cable-Driven Scissor Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lift assemblies require specialized constructions of scissor arms, increasing costs and manufacturing time due to complex drive mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lift assembly with a scissor mechanism and a lift mechanism that includes a base support, platform support, linkage, and pulleys, where a cable wrapped around pulleys is tensioned by a drive mechanism to move the platform between raised and lowered positions, potentially eliminating the need for complex scissor arm constructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a drive mechanism moves the scissor arms directly, then the platform can be moved between positions, but the scissor arms require specialized constructions increasing cost and manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lift mechanism with base support, platform support, linkage, and pulley as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and scissor arms. The cable wrapped around the pulley transfers force from the drive mechanism to move the platform, eliminating the need for complex specialized scissor arm constructions while maintaining effective platform positioning.
2Productivity
If specialized constructions of scissor arms are used, then the platform can be moved effectively, but production costs and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lifting function into separate components: base support, platform support, linkage, and pulley system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard parts and processes, reducing manufacturing time and complexity compared to specialized integrated scissor arm constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift mechanism components (base support, platform support, linkage, pulley) serve multiple functions: supporting the platform, transmitting motion, and enabling cable-driven actuation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized single-purpose scissor arm constructions, reducing manufacturing complexity and time.
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by allowing the platform to be moved efficiently between positions using a simpler mechanism, potentially reducing production time and costs while maintaining positional control.
Implementation Method 1
a first pulley supported by the first linkage. The lift assembly also includes a drive mechanism supported by the base and a cable extending from the drive mechanism, wrapped at least partially around the first pulley
Implementation Method 2
The cable is configured to be tensioned by the drive mechanism such that the lift mechanism moves the platform to the raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A lift assembly includes a base, a platform moveable relative to the base between raised and lowered positions, and a scissor mechanism to move the platform relative to the base. The lift assembly also includes a lift mechanism including a base support coupled to the base and extending from the base toward the platform, a platform support mounted to the platform and extending from the platform toward the base, a first linkage supported by the base support and coupled to the platform support, and a first pulley supported by the first linkage. The lift assembly also includes a drive mechanism supported by the base and a cable extending from the drive mechanism, wrapped at least partially around the first pulley, and fixed relative to the platform support. The cable is configured to be tensioned by the drive mechanism such that the lift mechanism moves the platform to the raised position.