Lifting Extension Mount for Equipoising Arms

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipoising arms have a limited lifting range that does not match the human gripping range, requiring frequent mode changes and causing functional difficulties when a third segment is added, including uncontrollable movement and unreachable adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A lifting extension mount assembly that is laterally fixed to the vest, allowing a vertically pivotable lifting segment with an adjustable angle mechanism, enabling increased range and on-the-fly adjustments without lateral movement, and accommodating operators of varying girth and side operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a third lifting segment is added to augment lifting range, then the lifting range is increased, but the arm segments become uncontrollable and swing capriciously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting rangeVSAvoidcontrol of arm segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is divided into distinct segments: a fixed mount portion attached to the vest and a movable arm portion that can be detached. This segmentation allows the arm to be extended for increased range while maintaining stability when attached, and easy removal when not needed, avoiding the capricious swinging of fully integrated multi-segment designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed mount to a dynamic configurable system where the arm can be attached or detached based on operational needs. The resilient means provide dynamic lifting force that adapts to the arm's position, maintaining control throughout the extended range while preventing uncontrollable movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If arm-angle adjusting mechanism is placed at the proximal hinge to address non-vertical orientation, then the payload side-slip problem is solved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes unreachable by hand when mounted behind the operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical orientation of payloadVSAvoidaccessibility of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The arm-angle adjusting mechanism is extracted from the proximal hinge location and relocated to the distal end of the arm where it is accessible to the operator. The resilient means are repositioned to attach between the distal end and the vest, maintaining their function while enabling easy access for adjustment without requiring the operator to reach behind their back

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient means serve as an intermediary element that transmits the adjustment force from the accessible distal end location back to the proximal hinge, enabling the operator to make adjustments from a convenient location while still affecting the orientation at the mounting point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hinged mounting is used to allow lateral adjustment, then the arm can be positioned for different operators, but the entire assembly swings laterally at the mounting point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different operatorsVSAvoidlateral stability at mount point

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into a laterally-fixed mount portion that attaches rigidly to the vest and prevents lateral swinging, and a separately adjustable arm portion that can be positioned for different operators. This segmentation eliminates the lateral instability of fully hinged mounts while preserving adaptability through separate adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Lateral adjustability is provided only where needed at the arm level, while the mount-to-vest connection maintains rigid lateral fixation. This localized approach to flexibility allows operator-specific adjustments without compromising the stability of the entire assembly at the mounting point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the lifting range by approximately 50% while maintaining control over arm segments, allowing for continuous operation from knee to above head height without needing to switch modes frequently and ensuring adjustments are within reach.

Implementation Method 1

each linkage generating a lifting force created by a resilient means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9404618B2Lifting extension mount assembly for equipoising arms

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 BROWN GARRETT W

AI summary

A lifting extension mount assembly for attaching an equipoising arm to an object. The lifting extension mount assembly has an extension mount component rigidly fixed to an object. A lifting segment is attached to the extension mount component. The lifting segment is pivotable with respect to the extension mount component at the attachment point in a vertical plane only. An angle-adjustment assembly is including.