Lifting Table with Segmented Side Members for Cleanable Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lifting tables in food and pharmaceutical industries face challenges in cleaning and disinfecting due to the presence of hard-to-reach areas and limited penetration of cleaning fluids into corners, making the process time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two side members along the sides of the table top with a gap between them, an anti-squeezing mechanism that includes a switch element, and features like slots and apertures to facilitate the penetration of cleaning foam, ensuring all areas are accessible for cleaning and disinfecting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the table top includes corners and hard-to-reach areas, then the lifting table can maintain structural integrity and support capacity, but the cleaning and disinfecting process becomes time-consuming and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the structure to open up and eliminate blind areas while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The side members are designed to be dynamically adjustable between a closed position for structural support and an open position for cleaning access, transforming the static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to different operational requirements
2Reliability
If the side members are positioned close together to prevent material accumulation, then safety is improved, but cleaning fluid penetration is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are designed to be dynamically adjustable between a closed position for structural support and an open position for cleaning access, transforming the static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the side members have different functions: when closed, they provide safety and structural support; when opened, they allow cleaning fluid penetration. The local configuration changes based on operational needs
3Device complexity
If the side members are fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but blind areas are created where material and dust accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the structure to open up and eliminate blind areas while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The side members automatically adjust their position based on operational requirements, opening during cleaning to eliminate blind areas and closing during operation to maintain structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting table including a platform having a polygonal contour and including an upper and a lower face, a lifting mechanism and a base. The lifting mechanism connected to the table top and including an actuator for raising and lowering the table top. The base configured for supporting the lifting mechanism. Two side members positioned along two adjoining sides of the table top and a switch element positioned below the upper face, wherein the side members are connected to the table top below the upper face allowing the side members to be moved between a first position, wherein the frame members are disengaged from the switch element and a second position where the side members activate the switch element, hereby preventing displacement of the table top relative to the base. Ends of the side members are arranged with a distance in between each other.