Modular Panel Support With Pivoting Crossbars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate or panel support devices for lifting and handling are complex and limited in their adaptability to various widths, requiring multiple components and being costly, which complicates their implementation and safety for operators handling panels of different dimensions like 600, 900, and 1200 mm.
Innovation Solution
A modular support device with adjustable and articulated crosspieces that can pivot between perpendicular and parallel positions to accommodate different widths, featuring retractable stops for secure positioning, allowing easy adaptation to various panel widths by adjusting the crosspieces and integrating stops for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a one-piece support-receiver with sliding and locking components is used, then the plate support can be adjusted to different positions, but the device becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a support base with transverse support, a carrying arm with longitudinal support, and multiple pairs of crosspieces that can be independently positioned. Each crosspiece can be separately adjusted and locked, allowing flexible configuration without requiring a complex one-piece mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The crosspieces are designed to be movable along the longitudinal support between a first position (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) and a second position (parallel to the longitudinal axis). This dynamic repositioning capability allows the same component to serve multiple functions for different plate widths, reducing the need for multiple fixed components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple crosspieces of different lengths are used to accommodate various plate widths, then the adaptability increases, but the device bulk increases and transport becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The crosspieces can be pivoted between a deployed position (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) for use and a folded position (parallel to the longitudinal axis) for compact storage. This dynamic folding mechanism allows the device to maintain full adaptability for various plate widths while reducing to a compact form factor for transport.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the crosspieces nest along the longitudinal support structure, with shorter crosspieces fitting within or alongside longer ones. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the device during transport while preserving all crosspieces for future use.
3Ease of manufacture
If crosspieces are fixed by welding to the supporting arm, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different plate widths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of welding crosspieces fixedly to the supporting arm, the design segments the connection into a movable joint system. Each crosspiece is independently mounted on the longitudinal support with sliding and locking mechanisms, allowing each segment to be independently positioned while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between crosspieces and the supporting arm is made dynamic through sliding slots and locking mechanisms. Crosspieces can be moved along the longitudinal support to different positions and locked in place, providing adaptability while maintaining a simple welded framework structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The support device comprises a support arm (10) made of hollow profiles (10a) (10b) receiving adjustable extensions and two pairs of long (14) and short (13) crossbars. The support device is designed as a module defining a width of plates or panels to be received, which varies according to the respective position and orientation of the pair of short crossbars and the pair of long crossbars relative to the support arm, according to a variable geometry corresponding to different plate and panel widths. The crossbars are articulated and can be positioned relative to the support arm, either perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support arm.The short and long crossbars are themselves arranged at their free ends to receive, in a removable manner, sets of retractable stops (16) positioned at the ends of the crossbars according to the width of the plate or panel to be installed. The pivoting end portions of the short and long crossbars are arranged with locking means to hold them in position in planes perpendicular or parallel to the support arm.