Luggage Manipulation Device With Pivotable Arm And Counterweight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luggage handling devices, both active and passive systems, pose ergonomic challenges as they require operators to exert significant effort to move luggage vertically and horizontally, leading to discomfort and increased risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pivotable arm and disc-shaped carrying element, equipped with resistance means and an operating element, allows for intuitive and ergonomic handling by distributing the weight of the luggage and reducing physical effort through a balanced support system, enabling vertical and horizontal movement with minimal strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If active driving system is used to move the carrying element vertically and horizontally, then the device can independently move luggage without operator effort, but the operator must follow the movement with one hand on joystick and push against luggage with other hand, reducing ergonomic comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the control paradigm by placing the operating element directly on the carrying element rather than requiring remote joystick control. This allows the operator to naturally follow the carrying element's movement while maintaining continuous contact, transforming the operator's role from active controller to passive follower, thereby improving ergonomic comfort while maintaining automation benefits
2Ease of operation
If passive support system is used where operator moves the carrying element manually, then ergonomic comfort improves through intuitive operation, but the operator must exert significant physical effort to move heavy luggage vertically and horizontally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resistance means that provide counterbalancing forces to offset the weight of the carrying element and luggage. This counterweight mechanism reduces the physical effort required by the operator to move the system vertically and horizontally, while the operating element on the carrying element maintains intuitive control through natural hand placement
3Ease of operation
If the operating element is provided on the carrying element, then the operator can continuously hold both hands on the carrying element and luggage for intuitive control, but the device complexity increases due to integration of resistance means and operating means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operating element with the carrying element structure, integrating the control interface directly into the load-bearing component. This consolidation allows the operator to maintain continuous contact with both hands while reducing the number of separate control systems, thereby managing device complexity while achieving intuitive two-handed control
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device for manipulating items of luggage. The device comprises a base member, an arm which is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis relative to the base member, and a carrying element having a supporting surface for supporting an item of luggage. The arm is designed to move the carrying element away from the vertical pivot axis and toward the vertical pivot axis. The device further comprises moving means for moving the arm in vertical direction, resistance means which, in an operative state thereof, offer resistance against movement of the carrying element both in vertical direction and in horizontal direction relative to the base member, and operating means to be operated by a person, which operating means are provided with an operating element to be operated with a hand of said person for controlling at least the resistance means. The operating element is provided on the carrying element, while the operating means are designed at least for placing the resistance means in a non-operative state.