Lifting table with height adjustment device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting tables with multiple air springs face challenges in synchronizing the height adjustment of individual struts, leading to tilting and operational difficulties due to fabrication and assembly errors, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A lifting table design with a top plate height adjustment device featuring multiple support columns equipped with length-changeable gas springs, an operation lever with extendable rod sections connected by L-shaped connectors, and tapered surfaces to ensure synchronous operation of air springs, reducing fabrication and assembly errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multiple air springs are used to support the top plate, then the load on each support column is reduced, but synchronizing the height adjustment of individual struts becomes difficult due to fabrication and assembly errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload on support columnVSAvoidsynchronization of height adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple air spring operations into a single integrated operation lever. The operation lever includes multiple rod sections connected by connectors that can rotate, allowing a single user action to simultaneously operate all air springs. This merging of control functions eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each strut, reducing both fabrication complexity and assembly errors while maintaining synchronized height adjustment across all support columns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex mechanisms are added to synchronize air spring operation, then height adjustment synchronization is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization of height adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the air springs by using a single operation lever that actuates all air springs simultaneously through a unified mechanical linkage system. This parameter change approach allows synchronized adjustment without requiring complex individual control mechanisms for each air spring. The connectors with rotation capability provide the necessary flexibility to accommodate manufacturing tolerances while maintaining synchronization, thereby reducing device complexity compared to rigid synchronized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The operation lever serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's single action and the multiple air springs. The rod sections and connectors act as intermediate elements that transmit and coordinate the operational force to all air springs simultaneously. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by providing a centralized control point while accommodating the individual variations in each air spring through the rotation capability of the connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid connection of operation rods is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly errors and deformation due to fabrication tolerances increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment of operation rodsVSAvoidassembly tolerance accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility into the operation lever system by enabling rotation of the connectors that join the rod sections. This dynamic capability allows the rigid rod sections to maintain their manufacturing precision while the rotating connectors accommodate assembly errors and fabrication tolerances. The system thus combines the benefits of rigid connections for precision with the flexibility needed for easy assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design allows for smooth and synchronized height adjustment of the top plate with reduced load on each support column, improving operability and reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

each support column has a length-changeable gas spring (13) installed therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

said push valve operated by an operation lever (30) to change the length of said support column

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11284708B2Lifting table with height adjustment device

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 SUDOH FUMIO

AI summary

A lifting table includes a top plate height adjustment device that performs a height adjustment of all support columns in a synchronized manner. The top plate is supported on the floor by of a leg structure provided with multiple support columns arranged in parallel. Top plate receiving structures attach a column to the top plate and change the length of the support columns. Push valves exposed on the inside of the top plate receiving structures are actuated, changing the length of gas springs provided inside of the support columns. By extending an operation rod unit into the top plate receiving structures from a single handle of an operation lever via a connection fitting, the push valves are operated the same amount and at the same time in all of the columns with a single operation, so that it is possible to smoothly raise and lower the top plate.