Litho Laminating Table Lift Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing litho laminating machines require significant torque to raise a heavy accelerator table from its operating to maintenance position, due to the distance between the pivot axis and the center of gravity, necessitating a strong and heavy lifting device.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device combining a spring element and an actuator, where the spring provides a constant biasing force towards the maintenance position, and the actuator adds the necessary force to overcome the remaining resistance, allowing for the use of smaller and more manageable components, with the actuator positioned closer to the pivot axis to reduce required force and stroke length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single heavy lifting device is used to raise the table, then the table can be raised to the maintenance position, but the lifting device becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is divided into two separate components: a spring element that provides continuous biasing force and an actuator that provides controlled lifting force. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and lighter than a single lifting device would need to be, while together they achieve the required lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as a counterweight mechanism, providing a continuous biasing force that opposes the gravitational force on the table. This reduces the amount of force the actuator needs to provide, allowing for a smaller and lighter actuator design.
2Force
If the actuator is positioned far from the pivot axis to match the center of gravity distance, then the torque required is reduced, but the actuator stroke length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned at an optimized distance from the pivot axis (20-35% of the distance to the center of gravity) rather than at the maximum possible distance. This parameter optimization achieves a compromise that provides sufficient torque while keeping the actuator stroke length acceptable for compact actuator design.
3Reliability
If a strong actuator is used to raise the heavy table alone, then the table can be raised reliably, but the actuator becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is divided into two separate components: a spring element that provides continuous biasing force and an actuator that provides controlled lifting force. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and lighter than a single lifting device would need to be, while together they achieve the required lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element continuously applies a biasing force that pre-lifts the table partially, so that when the actuator activates, it only needs to provide the remaining force to complete the lifting action. This preliminary action by the spring element reduces the complexity and size requirements of the actuator.
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
This solution reduces the need for a heavy lifting device by distributing the force requirement across two components, enabling easier and more efficient raising of the table with a compact actuator and gas spring, while maintaining mechanical stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element according to the invention is a gas spring which is a reliable and readily available component
Implementation Method 2
The actuator can in particular be a pneumatic piston which can be controlled with a minimum of control elements. Further, pneumatic pressure is readily available.
Data Source
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AI summary
A litho laminating machine has an accelerator table (20), the table (20) being moveable between an operating position and a raised maintenance position, the table (20) being supported on a frame (24) with a bearing (22) defining a pivot axis (P), a lifting device (30, 40) being provided which comprises a spring element (30) biasing the table (20) towards the maintenance position, and an actuator (40) for moving the table (20) from the operating position towards the maintenance position.