Mobile Stand Torque Compensation via Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile umbrella stands face issues with high torque during lifting and lowering, which can lead to operator safety concerns due to the heavy weight of the base and rollers, causing the push rod to accelerate and potentially crush against the mast.
Innovation Solution
A power-assistance device, such as a spring, is integrated between the lifting device and the roller carrier or base to counteract the torque exerted by the base, reducing the force on the pivot point and allowing for easier operation, while ensuring the roller carrier remains in contact with the ground at all times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the base is made heavy to ensure stability, then the stand achieves high stability, but the torque on the lifting device increases making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
A power-assistance device, such as a spring, is integrated between the lifting device and the roller carrier or base to counteract the torque exerted by the base. This counterbalancing mechanism reduces the force required to operate the lifting device while maintaining the heavy base weight for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power-assistance device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the heavy base, mediating the force transmission. The spring or similar device stores and releases energy to assist in lifting and lowering the base, making operation easier without compromising stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base weight is increased to prevent tipping, then stability improves, but operator safety deteriorates due to unmanageable torque
Solution Approach 1:
The power-assistance device provides a counterbalancing force that offsets the torque generated by the heavy base. This allows the base to remain heavy for stability while the operator only needs to provide minimal force to initiate and control the lifting motion, preventing loss of control and improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring or power-assistance device is pre-loaded or positioned to provide counteracting force before the lifting operation begins. This preliminary anti-action prepares the system to handle the heavy base weight, preventing sudden torque spikes that could endanger the operator.
3Ease of operation
If a push rod is used to lower the base, then the base can be lowered onto the floor, but the push rod may accelerate and crush against the mast due to high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The power-assistance device counteracts the gravitational force and torque on the base during lowering. This prevents uncontrolled acceleration of the push rod by balancing the forces, ensuring the base lowers smoothly without sudden movements that could cause the push rod to crush against the mast.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring or power-assistance device acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and regulates the forces during the lowering process. This beforehand cushioning prevents force spikes and uncontrolled acceleration, protecting the mast and push rod from crushing damage.
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 power-assistance device effectively compensates for the torque, making it easier to handle heavy bases, enhancing operator safety and stability by reducing the torque on the lifting device, thus preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
A power-assistance device, such as a spring, is integrated between the lifting device and the roller carrier or base to counteract the torque exerted by the base
Data Source
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AI summary
The stand has a foot (8) fixedly arranged at a mast. A lifting device (12) is pivotably hinged to a pivotal point (10) fixed on the foot such that pivot movement of the lifting device around the pivotal point lowers and/or lifts the foot relative to a roller carrier (4) in a vertical movement. A force assistance device i.e. spring (16), is arranged between the lifting device and the roller carrier for partially compensating torque exerted on the lifting device over the pivotal point from the foot during the pivot movement for lowering the foot. The spring is selected from a group consisting of a coil spring, a bending spring, a torsion spring, a pneumatic spring, a gas pressure spring or an elastomer spring. The foot includes guide pins or thorns directed in a direction of the roller carrier.