Lifting Device Support Arm Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices for motor vehicle assemblies are cumbersome to operate, leading to increased maintenance time due to awkward blocking units that hinder efficient alignment and positioning of support arms.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with an adjustable blocking unit that can pivot between a release position and a locking position, allowing for secure and easy alignment of support arms relative to the load-carrying unit, combined with a detachable support unit that can be connected or separated for compact operation, enabling optimal positioning and removal of motor vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking unit is used to secure the support arm to the load-bearing unit, then the support arm is reliably positioned, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is designed to automatically lock the support arm to the load-bearing unit through its own weight and geometry. The blocking element engages with the blocking surface without requiring external actuation, making the system self-securing while maintaining ease of operation through simple manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a gravity-based passive locking system. The blocking element utilizes gravitational force to maintain engagement with the blocking surface, eliminating the need for additional actuators, springs, or complex mechanical linkages that would increase operational complexity.
2Reliability
If a blocking unit is used to secure the support arm, then the positioning is reliable, but the maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit automatically secures the support arm through its own weight and geometric configuration. The blocking element passively engages with the blocking surface without requiring additional time-consuming operations, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simple geometric relationship between the blocking element and blocking surface. This minimalistic approach eliminates unnecessary components and operations that would increase maintenance time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support unit is permanently attached to the load-bearing unit, then the connection is stable, but the device size increases and compact operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into separable components: the load-bearing unit and the support unit. The support unit can be detached from the load-bearing unit when not needed, allowing the device to operate in a compact configuration. The blocking element provides stable connection when assembled while enabling disassembly for compact storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the support unit and load-bearing unit is made dynamic rather than static. The blocking element allows the support unit to be securely attached when stability is needed, yet easily detached when compact operation is required. This dynamic configurability optimizes both connection stability and device volume.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lifting device for a motor vehicle assembly, comprising a load-handling unit having a crane hook receptacle or being detachably connectable to a connecting body of a support unit, with at least one support arm pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the load-handling unit, a coupling unit arranged longitudinally displaceably on the support arm for detachably connecting the support arm to the motor vehicle assembly, and a locking unit that secures the support arm to the load-handling unit. To provide a lifting device that allows reliable positioning of a support arm and is also easy to operate and compact, the locking unit is adjustable between a release position that allows the support arm to pivot about the load-handling unit and a locking position that positively locks the support arm to the load-handling unit.