Variable Pneumatic Load Elevator with Multi-Reservoir Volume Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load elevators with pneumatic systems struggle to maintain optimal working height for loads of varying densities, as the performance curve is fixed with initial pressure settings, leading to suboptimal working conditions when handling loads with different densities.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained pneumatic system with multiple air reservoirs connected through valves, allowing optional combinations to adjust the system's volume and performance curve, enabling operation at three different load levels without changing the air pressure, thus accommodating loads of different densities at a consistent work elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pneumatic system pressure is set for a lighter load, then the platform maintains optimal height for light loads, but the platform reaches its lowest point too early when handling heavier loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the system volume through valve-controlled connection of multiple reservoirs to the bellows. This changes the performance curve of the pneumatic system, allowing the platform to maintain optimal working height for different load densities without changing the air pressure. The volume parameter is adjusted to match different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the system volume adjustable during operation. The valves allow dynamic reconfiguration of the pneumatic system by connecting or disconnecting reservoirs based on the load being handled. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt its performance characteristics to different operational conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the pneumatic system pressure is set for a heavier load, then the platform maintains optimal height for heavy loads, but the platform remains at constant elevation too long when handling lighter loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the system volume through valve-controlled reservoir connections. This modifies the performance curve to match the load density, ensuring the platform maintains optimal working height throughout the loading process. The volume parameter is specifically adjusted to prevent the platform from remaining at constant elevation for inappropriate load weights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its volume configuration using valves that can connect or disconnect reservoirs based on the load being handled. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the platform to respond appropriately to different load densities, maintaining optimal working height without unnecessary delays.
3Reliability
If a fixed-volume reservoir is used, then the pneumatic system is simple and reliable, but the performance curve is fixed and cannot accommodate varying load densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pneumatic system into multiple reservoirs that can be independently connected or disconnected via valves. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through proven fixed-volume reservoir components while achieving adaptability by selectively combining them to create different effective volumes for different load densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a pneumatic system that can perform multiple functions through valve-controlled reservoir connections. The same physical reservoirs can serve different operational requirements by being connected in different combinations, allowing a single system to handle varying load densities effectively.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air reservoirs with valves are added to adjust system volume, then the system can accommodate varying load densities, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation to manage complexity by dividing the reservoir system into modular units with standardized valve connections. This allows the system to achieve adaptability through controlled complexity, where each reservoir and valve assembly is a manageable module that can be independently maintained and operated.
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 system allows operators to maintain a consistent working height throughout the range of motion, accommodating varying load densities by adjusting the performance curve through varying the system's volume, eliminating the need to change initial pressure settings.
Implementation Method 1
a self-adjusting pneumatic scissor elevator with an air actuator system that includes a compressible air actuator or bellows
Implementation Method 2
The bellows, mounted between the scissors linkage and the load platform, is compressible between specified maximum and minimum bellows heights
Implementation Method 3
The air reservoir is coupled to the bellows and has a fixed volume that is substantially larger than the difference between the maximum and minimum volumes of the bellows
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatic system with multiple air reservoirs (22,24,26) is connected to the bellows (18) of a load elevator (10). A plurality of valves (28,30) enables the optional pneumatic connection of different combinations of reservoirs so as to change the range of operation of the elevator to meet the self-adjusting weight requirements of a particular job at hand. In the preferred embodiment, the air actuator (18) is pneumatically connected to a main air reservoir (22), which in turn can optionally be coupled in series with one or two additional reservoirs (24,26) of different capacities. As a result of this configuration of its pneumatic system, the elevator (10) can be switched between and operated at three different load levels, at the convenience of the operator, without changing the amount of air in the system.