Linear Actuator Lifting Support for Single-Handed Load Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual lifting and handling of heavy loads during installation, inspection, and repair processes lead to muscle strain, fatigue, and increased workload for technicians, as existing support devices often require two-handed operation and lack efficient single-handed actuation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A lifting support device equipped with a linear actuator, load sensor, and controller that maintains equilibrium when supporting a primary load, and selectively actuates in response to external loads, allowing single-handed operation and adjustable height based on applied forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a technician uses manual lifting to handle heavy loads, then the technician can maintain full control over the load position, but the technician experiences muscle strain and fatigue due to the heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator provides an opposing force to counterbalance the weight of the load, effectively neutralizing the gravitational force acting on the load. This allows the technician to handle the load with minimal physical effort, as the actuator bears the primary weight burden while the technician maintains positional control through small adjustment forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual lifting system with an electromechanical system. The linear actuator converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, substituting human muscular effort with an automated actuation mechanism controlled by the technician through a trigger or interface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a known support device uses an actuating trigger for lifting loads, then the device can support heavy loads with minimal manual effort, but the technician requires two hands to operate (one for the trigger, one for controlling elevation rate)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of load control and elevation rate control into a single hand-operated interface. The trigger mechanism is integrated with the control system such that one hand can simultaneously manage both the lifting action and the speed of elevation, merging multiple control functions into a unified single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating trigger is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the initiation of lifting and the rate of elevation, and can also serve as a brake or hold mechanism. This multi-functional design allows a single control element to manage all aspects of load movement, enabling complete single-handed operation.
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
Enables efficient and safe single-handed handling of heavy loads by automatically adjusting the height and reducing manual effort, thereby minimizing strain and fatigue for technicians.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor positioned to determine application of a first load on the load sensor by at least the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling operation of a linear actuator, including maintaining the linear actuator in equilibrium when supporting a first load, determining application of a second load on the linear actuator, and selectively actuating the linear actuator in response to application of the second load on the linear actuator.