Variable Level Platform Adjustment Mechanism for Spring Load Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical leveling platform devices lack a quick and easy method to adjust the lifting force provided by springs to accommodate different sized objects, making it difficult for operators to engage or disengage individual elastic means, leading to equipment downtime and reduced efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment mechanism comprising a first frame assembly with an engaged support means and a second frame assembly with a disengaged support means and a connection member, allowing operators to easily increase or decrease the tension force by engaging or disengaging elastic means, with a unique fastening bracket that can attach to either support means, enabling selective adjustment of the lifting force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vertical leveling platforms use fixed spring configurations, then the lifting force is stable for a specific weight range, but the device cannot quickly adapt to different sized objects and requires complex manual adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is divided into multiple individual springs that can be independently engaged or disengaged. Each spring can be selectively connected to the platform frame using quick-connect mechanisms, allowing operators to adjust the total lifting force by simply adding or removing individual springs rather than adjusting a fixed spring configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring configuration changes from static to dynamic, allowing the system to adapt its lifting capacity in real-time. Quick-connect mechanisms enable springs to be rapidly engaged or disengaged during operation, transforming the previously fixed spring arrangement into a flexible, adjustable configuration that responds to different loading conditions.
2Ease of operation
If operators manually adjust individual springs on traditional platforms, then the lifting force can be customized, but the adjustment process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism extracts the complex adjustment procedure and replaces it with simple spring engagement. Instead of requiring operators to manipulate complex adjustment mechanisms, the system allows direct engagement of pre-calibrated springs into standardized connection points, simplifying the operator's task to a basic connect/disconnect action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple identical, interchangeable springs that can be quickly engaged or disengaged. Rather than designing a single complex adjustable spring mechanism, the invention employs multiple simple, standardized spring units that can be rapidly swapped or combined, reducing both operational complexity and adjustment time.
3Productivity
If traditional platforms use fixed lifting force configurations, then the structure is simple, but operators cannot quickly adapt to different object weights and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly incorporates universal connection points and standardized mounting locations that can accommodate different numbers and configurations of springs. This multi-functional design allows the same frame structure to support various spring arrangements, enabling quick adaptation to different weight requirements without requiring multiple specialized frame designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes more springs than the minimum required for any single load configuration. Operators can engage only the number of springs needed for the current task, leaving additional springs available for heavier loads. This excessive provision of springs allows rapid adaptation to different weight classes without requiring structural modifications.
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
Enables operators to quickly and easily adjust the lifting force, reducing equipment downtime and improving efficiency and safety by allowing selective engagement or disengagement of elastic means, thus accommodating various object sizes and maintaining optimal vertical positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic lifting means, typically a set of springs
Implementation Method 2
The spring constant of the spring (the spring constant 'k' in the equation F=kx, where 'F' equals the force supplied by the spring and 'x' equals a spring displacement distance)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus adaptable to automatic leveling platform devices with integral springs, which enables an operator to easily and quickly adjust the overall spring resistance to accommodate a range of loads applied to the platform. More particularly, the apparatus utilizes a sliding frame, springs and pins such that a user may engage or disengage one or more springs easily and quickly.