Parallelogram Spring Apparatus for Load Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for adjusting loads using spring systems are costly due to the use of zero-free-length springs and occupy excessive space, limiting their application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a parallelogram construction with pivotally connected arms and a lock mechanism, utilizing standard parallel-oriented springs, allowing for easy adjustment and space-saving design, enabling the use of standard springs and facilitating weight compensation through adjustable spring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If zero-free-length springs are used to achieve self-compensating forces, then the load adjustment becomes smooth and effortless, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a first spring system with a linear spring characteristic directly coupled to the load, and a second spring system coupled to the coupling mechanism, working together to produce the desired force path diagram. This merging of two spring systems allows achieving smooth load adjustment using standard springs instead of expensive zero-free-length springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spring characteristic from requiring zero-free-length springs to using standard linear springs by modifying the force path diagram through the combination of two spring systems with different characteristics, thereby reducing cost while maintaining operational smoothness.
2Ease of operation
If horizontally oriented springs are used to provide tensioning forces, then the drawing board can be adjusted smoothly, but the apparatus occupies a large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontally oriented springs requiring extension space to vertically oriented parallel springs, utilizing the vertical dimension for spring orientation. This dimensional change allows the same functional capability with significantly reduced horizontal space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the springs from horizontal to vertical, and modifies the spring characteristic to parallel orientation, thereby achieving the same tensioning function with compact space utilization.
3Device complexity
If the second spring system is coupled at a side remote from the load to simplify the structure, then the force path diagram can be controlled, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling mechanism (parallelogram construction) as an intermediary between the second spring system and the load. This intermediary allows the second spring system to be coupled remotely while still providing smooth load adjustment through the path-defining organs that guide the coupling's movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the coupling mechanism to include path-defining organs that constrain the movement of the third and fourth hinges, changing the degrees of freedom and movement characteristics to achieve both structural simplicity and operational smoothness.
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
This design allows for lightweight and space-efficient load adjustment, expanding application possibilities, such as balancing kitchen cupboards, while using standard springs and enabling easy weight compensation, thus overcoming the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a parallelogram construction (10) that comprises pivotally connected arms, with the load (2) being coupled with a first hinge (11) and the first spring system (3) and/or the second spring system (4) being coupled with a second hinge (12) of the parallelogram construction
Implementation Method 2
the parallelogram construction comprises a third and fourth hinge (13, 14) opposite each other, each of which is adjacent to the first and the second hinge (11, 12)
Implementation Method 3
at least a first spring system (3) and a second spring system (4), which two spring systems are coupled with the load (2) and produce forces that are applied to the load (2)
Implementation Method 4
first spring system (3) having a linear spring characteristic
Implementation Method 5
the third hinge (13) and the fourth hinge (14) cooperate with path defining organs (15) so that during a load adjustment, the third and the fourth hinge are able to follow the predetermined paths
Implementation Method 6
It is generally desirable to provide the apparatus with a lock, which may be activated before an adjustment is made to the load. After the load adjustment the lock may be released again.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for exerting a force on a load, comprising at least a first spring system and a second spring system, which two spring systems are coupled with the load and produce forces that are applied to the load, wherein an adjusting device is provided coupled with the load, which is equipped with at least one coupling with which the first spring system and/or the second spring system are/is coupled, and which adjusting device is designed for moving the coupling subject to an adjustment of the load, wherein the first spring system has a linear spring characteristic and is coupled with the load, and wherein the second spring system is coupled with the coupling at a side of the coupling removed from the load, and wherein the coupling is designed for adjusting the second spring system subject to a predetermined spring characteristic of the second spring system such that, at the side of the load, the combination of the coupling with the second spring system possesses a force path diagram having a linear characteristic.