Rotatable Rod Valve for Hose Lifter Posture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of tube lifters face physical strain and operational safety issues due to the need to bend or compensate for height changes while using existing devices, leading to awkward postures and potential uncontrolled movements.
Innovation Solution
A manually grippable and rotatable rod is used as the operating element, allowing the operator to control the suction gripping device without changing posture, with features like self-locking and adjustable length to enhance comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating device is held at a fixed position, then the operator can maintain a stable posture, but the operator cannot control the lifting height of the suction gripping device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertically extending rod that moves in the vertical dimension, allowing the operating device to adapt to different lifting heights without requiring the operator to change their body posture. The rod's vertical movement provides height adjustment while the operator maintains a stable standing position.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element between the operator's hand and the suction gripping device. It transmits the operator's rotational input to control the lifting height, while its vertical extension allows the operator to remain at a comfortable distance and posture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating device moves with the suction gripping device during lifting, then the lifting height is controlled, but the operator experiences physical strain and awkward postures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the operating device horizontally with the suction gripping device, the patent implements vertical movement of the rod. This dimensional change allows the rod to extend upward to accommodate lifting heights while the operator remains in a stable, low-strain posture.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is designed to move dynamically in the vertical direction, extending and retracting as needed to match the lifting height. This dynamic vertical adjustment allows the operator to control lifting without their body position changing, reducing physical strain.
3Ease of operation
If a long rotatable rod is provided, then the operator can maintain stable posture, but the rod may twist unintentionally during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a magnetic coupling mechanism that provides feedback between the rod and the operating device. The magnetic attraction force prevents the rod from twisting unintentionally while allowing controlled rotation, maintaining both operational precision and posture stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical rigid connection with a magnetic coupling system. This substitution allows the long rod to remain stable against twisting forces while still transmitting rotational control inputs, resolving the conflict between length and control precision.
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 solution reduces operator fatigue and enhances operational safety by allowing controlled operation of the tube lifter without bending, minimizing the risk of accidental movements and improving handling precision.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum tube lifters are vacuum handling devices used to grip, lift, and, if necessary, move and lower loads using a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
an additional ventilation device is opened, permitting ambient air to flow into a connecting tube to the suction gripping device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (2) for a hose lifter, which comprises a lifting hose (4) having an inner hose space (6) and which can be shortened by applying negative pressure to the inner hose space (6), and with a suction gripping device (8) arranged at one end of the lifting hose (4), which can be supplied with negative pressure through the inner hose space (6), wherein the operating device (2) has a suction port (12) for flow connection with the suction gripping device (8), a lifting hose port (10) for flow connection with the inner hose space (6) of the lifting hose (4), and a valve assembly (14, 16, 18) for controlling flow connections, wherein the valve assembly (14) comprises a control valve (38) which is adjustable between a closed position and an open position.wherein in the open position a flow path from the environment to the lifting hose connection (10) is opened and in the closed position this flow path is substantially closed, and wherein a control mechanism for adjusting the control valve (38) is provided with a manually operable operating element (20); according to the invention, it is proposed that the manually operable operating element (20) is designed as a manually grippable and manually rotatable rod (22) which can slide through the hand of the operator in an operating situation when raising or lowering the suction gripping device (8).