Pivotable Arm Balancing With Configurable Gas Spring Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-lifting technologies, such as those used in offshore applications, face inefficiencies due to the limitations of mechanical springs in balancing heavy and variable loads, as they have fixed spring constants and are unsuitable for large loads and multiple positions.

Innovation Solution

The use of adjustable gas or hydro-pneumatic springs with non-linear extension force relations, which can provide substantial counter-torques to balance loads across various positions and angles, allowing for a wider range of applications by configuring the spring characteristics to compensate for changing loads and torques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical springs with fixed spring constants are used to balance loads, then the system structure is simple, but the spring cannot balance heavy variable loads across multiple positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to balance different loads and positionsVSAvoidspring configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the spring characteristic adjustable rather than fixed. The gas or hydro-pneumatic spring allows continuous adjustment of the spring constant to adapt to different load conditions and arm positions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can optimize performance across varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the spring constant of the gas or hydro-pneumatic spring to match different load scenarios. By adjusting the spring characteristic parameter, the system can balance both light and heavy loads effectively, as well as accommodate different arm positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If gas or hydro-pneumatic springs with non-linear extension force relations are used, then the spring can provide substantial counter-torques for heavy loads, but the non-linearity makes balancing across multiple positions difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounter-torque magnitudeVSAvoidbalancing across multiple positions

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent overcomes the non-linearity issue by implementing dynamic adjustment of the spring characteristic. The gas or hydro-pneumatic spring's spring constant can be continuously modified to compensate for the non-linear extension force relation, enabling the system to achieve balanced counter-torques across multiple arm positions despite the inherent non-linearity of the spring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the arm position and load conditions, then adjusts the spring characteristic accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the non-linear gas or hydro-pneumatic spring to provide accurate balancing across multiple positions by continuously adapting its force output based on real-time system state information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If actuators are used to carry heavy loads, then the load can be lifted and positioned, but considerable energy is consumed to balance the load at multiple positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload lifting capabilityVSAvoidactuator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using a gas or hydro-pneumatic spring to provide counter-torques that balance the load at multiple positions. This passive balancing mechanism significantly reduces the energy required by actuators, as the spring automatically compensates for gravitational forces without requiring continuous active power input, thereby dramatically lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining full load lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 approach reduces the need for large actuators, enabling more efficient load handling by minimizing the output force required, allowing for the use of smaller actuators or even eliminating the need for them in some cases, while maintaining balance across different load conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a gas or hydro-pneumatic spring (60) having a configurable spring characteristic and arranged to providing a spring force (201) with a non-linear extension force relation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the non-linearity of gas or hydro-pneumatic springs is counteracted. It turns out a gas or hydro-pneumatic spring can bring very substantial balance to a plurality of positions of an arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-linear extension force relation:

Data Source

PatentUS11136226B2Apparatus comprising a pivotable arm and a configurable spring

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 NLHO HLDG BV

AI summary

Method and device (1) for lifting loads (7). An arm (2) that is the load or that supports a load (7) is pivotably connected to a reference. The load results in a torque. At least a part of the counter-torque to result in a system supporting the load is provided by a gas or hydro-pneumatic spring (60).