Pneumatic Compensation Unit for Tool Support at Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for work tools on overhead platforms are cumbersome, require significant operator effort to maintain tool position, and lack precise control, especially at heights, due to weight counterbalancing and vibration issues, and have complex assembly and disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic compensation unit is integrated into the support device, allowing for precise adjustment of compressed air flow to counteract tool weight, enabling easier movement and positioning of the tool without operator effort, and simplifying mounting and dismounting on overhead platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an articulated arm support device is used to support work tools on overhead platforms, then the tool can be positioned and supported, but the operator must exert significant effort to counterbalance the tool weight and maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by introducing a compensation unit with a pneumatic actuator that generates an upward force to counterbalance the downward gravitational force on the work tool. The pneumatic actuator is connected to the support unit and can adjust its output force to match the tool weight, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to manually counterbalance the tool weight while maintaining precise position control.
2Measurement precision
If manual weight counterbalancing is used, then the device structure can be simpler, but precise control and stability of the tool position is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a pneumatic actuator within the compensation unit to provide controlled upward force. The pneumatic system includes a cylinder with a piston that can be actuated by compressed air or vacuum, allowing precise control of the support unit's vertical position. The pneumatic actuator's force can be precisely regulated through pressure control, enabling accurate tool positioning without complex mechanical counterbalancing mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex articulated arm mechanisms are used, then tool positioning capability is improved, but assembly and disassembly become lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support device into distinct functional modules: a base unit, a support unit with the pneumatic actuator, and a tool holder. These modular segments can be independently assembled and disassembled. The support unit can be quickly attached to or removed from the base unit, and the tool holder can be independently mounted on the support unit, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining full positioning capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the support device is designed for easy assembly, then mounting time is reduced, but the structural complexity and weight counterbalancing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the pneumatic actuator's automatic weight compensation capability. The actuator is designed to automatically adjust its force output to match the weight of the attached tool, eliminating the need for manual calibration or complex adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates the counterbalancing force based on the tool's weight, providing easy assembly while maintaining full weight compensation capability.
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 pneumatic compensation unit allows for precise and effortless operation of work tools at heights, reducing operator strain and simplifying the assembly and disassembly process, enhancing safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for manual weight support.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic compensation unit (12) is integrated into the support device (1), allowing for precise adjustment of compressed air flow to counteract tool weight
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~2A
AI summary
Support device (1; 1') arranged to support a work tool (U), connectable to a protecting railing (11) of a lifting device (10) to assist an operator (O) during a manual work activity performed at height with the work tool (U). The support device (1; 1') comprises support means (2, 26, 27) removably mountable on the protecting railing (11) and is characterized by the fact that it comprises a compensation unit (12) connected removably to the support means (2, 26, 27), the compensation unit (12) comprising a linear actuator (4a, 4b, 4c) that is movable in a direction (D) that is parallel to the direction of gravity, and an arm (32) connected to the linear actuator (4a, 4b, 4c) and arranged to support the tool (U); the compensation unit (12) being associated with a source of compressed air drivable for sending a compressed air flow to the compensation unit (12). The compensation unit (12) is further provided with inner pneumatic conveying means (15, 19, 20, 21) arranged to be crossed by the compressed air flow to convey the compressed air flow to the linear actuator (4a, 4b, 4c), and pneumatic adjusting means (16, 17, 18, 22, 23) arranged to adjust a value of the compressed air flow conveyed to the linear actuator (4a, 4b, 4c) so that the linear actuator (4a, 4b, 4c) compensates for a weight of the tool (U) and enables the operator (O) to carry out the manual work activity at a height in the absence of said weight.