Pneumatic Load Balancing with Variable Pressure for Multi-Weight Lifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load balancing manipulators are limited in their ability to lift multiple pre-selected weights, require complex and costly systems for automatic adjustment, and often result in abrupt load switching and safety issues due to velocity fuses and brakes, which impede operator efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic load balancing device using an inflatable reservoir with a pneumatic lift cylinder and a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator, allowing for intuitive pressure adjustment and controlled air release systems to handle varying loads and safety scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple regulators and electronic controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple regulators are provided to balance different pre-selected weights, then the manipulator can lift multiple discrete weights, but the device complexity increases and the ability to lift any desired weight is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a single regulator with continuously variable pressure adjustment capability. Instead of providing multiple discrete regulators for different weights, the system allows continuous variation of the pressure parameter, enabling the manipulator to balance any desired weight within its operating range. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining versatility while reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dial-adjustable regulator is used to allow operator adjustment for different load weights, then the manipulator can lift various weights, but the operator must manually re-adjust the regulator each time a load weight changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a pressure sensor that automatically detects the load weight and adjusts the regulator setting without operator intervention. The system serves itself by using the load information to autonomously configure the appropriate pressure, eliminating the manual adjustment step and the associated time loss while maintaining the ability to handle various weights.
3Extent of automation
If fully automatic load balancing control is implemented, then any load weight can be balanced without operator decision making, but the system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a pressure sensor to detect the actual load weight and provide this information back to the control system. The regulator then automatically adjusts the pressure based on this feedback, achieving automatic load balancing. This feedback mechanism enables automation while keeping the system relatively simple by using straightforward sensor-readout-regulator adjustment rather than complex control algorithms.
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 flexible lifting of any desired weight with reduced complexity and cost, providing safe and intuitive operation by allowing seamless pressure adjustments and controlled air release, improving safety and reducing the likelihood of production inefficiencies and accidents.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable reservoir for storing a volume of air at a selected pressure
Implementation Method 2
an amplifier in fluid communication with the reservoir, the amplifier for providing a separate flow of air to the lift cylinder at the reservoir pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic load balancing device having an inflatable reservoir establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift chamber that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the device. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The device allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The device may have an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply. The pressure within the lift chamber is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates.