Lifting Device Distance Sensor Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices are prone to damage from unexpected erroneous operations and are not easily simplified in configuration, lacking effective mechanisms to prevent interference and damage during erroneous activation.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a distance sensor, support member, and movement mechanism that allows the sensor to retract and rotate, preventing interference with moving objects and enabling precise alignment and protection from damage during erroneous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance sensor is fixed above the moving object for continuous measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device is vulnerable to damage from erroneous operations and the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be movable between a measurement position (extending upward) and a retraction position (retracted downward), allowing the distance sensor to dynamically change its position. This dynamic configuration enables the sensor to be positioned for accurate measurement when needed, while being protected from damage during erroneous operations by retracting it away from the moving object.
2Measurement precision
If the distance sensor is positioned close to the moving object for accurate detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for movement and retraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves multiple functions: it supports the distance sensor, provides movement capability for positioning the sensor, and acts as a protective structure that can retract the sensor. By combining these functions into a single component, the design achieves accurate measurement capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the placement portion is continuously aligned with the moving object for efficient transfer, then the productivity is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to harmful factors from unexpected erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism is configured to preemptively retract the distance sensor and support member from positions where they could be damaged by erroneous operations. By taking this protective action before harmful effects can occur, the system maintains productivity while preventing damage from unexpected events.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device includes: a lifting mechanism configured to move up and down a placement portion on which a conveyed object is placed; a distance sensor configured to output a detection signal indicating a distance to a surface to be detected of a moving object in a state of being located above the surface; a support member configured to support the distance sensor; a movement mechanism configured to move at least a part of the support member between a measurement position where the distance sensor is located and a retraction position where the distance sensor and the support member are deviated from above the moving object; and a lifting controller configured to control the lifting mechanism such that the placement portion is aligned with the moving object at a position where the conveyed object is allowed to be transferred in a lateral direction based on the detection signal.