Load-Sensing Lifting Support for Single-Handed Height Adjustment
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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 for controlling the elevation and stability of loads.
Innovation Solution
A lifting support device with a linear actuator and load sensor system that maintains equilibrium when supporting a primary load, and selectively adjusts its height in response to external loads applied by a technician, allowing single-handed operation and easy access to the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a technician uses existing support devices to control load elevation, then the load can be supported and elevated, but two hands are required for operation (one for actuating trigger, one for controlling elevation rate)
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the technician's own hand movements as the control input. The load sensor detects when the technician lifts or lowers the object, and the controller automatically responds by adjusting the linear actuator to provide support. This eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms while maintaining precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (triggers, levers, buttons) with an electronic sensing and control system. The load sensor and controller work together to detect technician actions and automatically adjust the actuator, substituting complex mechanical control with electronic detection and actuation.
2Productivity
If a technician manually lifts heavy loads, then the loads can be moved, but muscle strain and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator provides an opposing force to counterbalance the weight of the load. When the technician places the object on the support device, the controller activates the actuator to lift and hold the load, effectively providing a counterweight force that eliminates the need for the technician to continuously support the load's weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the technician and the heavy load. Instead of the technician directly supporting the load's weight, the support device with its linear actuator and load sensor system mediates the interaction, detecting the load's weight and providing appropriate support force to reduce the technician's physical burden.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a linear actuator supports a load in equilibrium, then the load is held stable, but the actuator cannot selectively adjust height without external control input
Solution Approach 1:
The load sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller about the force applied to the support device. When the technician lifts or lowers the object, the sensor detects this change in load and sends a signal to the controller, which then adjusts the linear actuator accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic height adjustment while maintaining stability during load support.
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 device reduces muscle strain and fatigue by enabling single-handed actuation, allowing technicians to manage heavy loads more efficiently and effectively, minimizing the risk of accidents and improving work quality by providing controlled and precise load handling.
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 lifting support device that includes a linear actuator including a first end configured to support an object, and a load sensor positioned to determine application of a first load on the load sensor by at least the object. The linear actuator is maintained in equilibrium when supporting the first load. The lifting support device further includes a controller coupled in communication with the load sensor, and the controller is configured to selectively actuate the linear actuator in response to application of a second load on the load sensor.