Multi-Axis Lifting Device With Weight-Compensated Manipulator Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting devices for handling heavy loads face risks of operator injury and load damage, require high drive forces and energy consumption, are inflexible, costly, and lack integration with existing safety systems.

Innovation Solution

A lifting device with a multi-axis kinematic system featuring a manipulator arm equipped with a positioning unit and a weight compensation unit for each axis, allowing energy-efficient and flexible load manipulation by minimizing drive energy and ensuring operator safety through dynamic weight compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a known auxiliary drive is used to pivot a manipulator arm, then the manipulator arm can be pivoted with support, but a relatively high drive force or drive energy is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivoting supportVSAvoiddrive energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies weight compensation units that generate counter-forces to balance the gravitational force acting on the manipulator arm and load. By providing an anti-weight mechanism, the system eliminates the need for high drive forces to overcome gravity, allowing easy pivoting with minimal energy consumption from the positioning units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the drive system into two independent parts: weight compensation units that handle gravitational forces and positioning units that handle precise positioning. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, with positioning units consuming minimal energy since they only need to overcome inertial forces, not the full weight of the load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional lifting devices are used for heavy loads, then the operator is relieved of some effort, but risks of operator injury or load damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator reliefVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lifting mechanisms with a multi-axis kinematic system combining weight compensation units and positioning units. This substitution allows for controlled, low-force operation where the operator only needs to provide minimal guidance forces, significantly reducing injury risk while maintaining full load handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the balance between weight compensation and positioning forces based on the manipulator arm's position and movement state. This dynamic control ensures that the operator never has to exert excessive force, while the system automatically adapts to maintain safety and precision throughout the full range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If fully automated systems with articulated robots are used, then load handling is automated, but high investment costs and reduced flexibility occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload handling automationVSAvoidapplication flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal manipulator arm system that can perform both automated and manual operations. The multi-axis kinematic system with weight compensation and positioning units can be controlled by automated programs or manually guided, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different applications and automation levels without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables safe, efficient, and adaptable load handling with reduced energy consumption, flexible application, and compatibility with existing safety systems, while minimizing operator effort and potential damage.

Implementation Method 1

The weight compensation unit (12) can have a piston-cylinder module as a weight compensation actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics:

Data Source

PatentEP4640615A1Lifting device for manipulating a load and method for manipulating a load

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 EFS FUR HEBE UND HANDHABUNGSTECHN MBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a lifting device (01) for manipulating a load (06), comprising a multi-axis kinematics (04) on which at least one manipulator arm (02) is mounted, wherein the manipulator arm (02) is movable about and/or along several axes of movement (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) and has a holding means (05) for the load (06), wherein at least one of the axes of movement (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) is assigned a positioning unit (07, 08, 09, 10, 11) acting on the multi-axis kinematics (04) for moving the manipulator arm (02) and a weight compensation unit (12, 13) for compensating the weight force (FG) of the load (06). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manipulating a load by means of at least one lifting device (01).