Scissor Lift Loading Device with Floating Bearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading devices are not practical for widespread use due to inefficiencies in design, leading to increased personnel costs and safety risks, especially on uneven surfaces, as they require simultaneous movement of the base structure and load, which can result in tipping and operational difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A loading device with a scissor lift mechanism featuring a fixed bearing in the extension direction and a floating bearing opposite to it, allowing for compact and lightweight design, enabling the lifting device to be folded under the loading structure and eliminating the need for base structure movement during load transfer, with an electro-hydraulic drive unit and safety features like load sensors and locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the base structure is moved simultaneously with the load during lifting, then the loading device can be transported, but the stability deteriorates and tipping risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device is divided into functionally independent segments: the base structure remains stationary while the loading structure with freight carrier is lifted and extended separately. This segmentation allows the load transfer operation to be decoupled from base structure movement, eliminating the stability problem while maintaining transportability through separate maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic adaptation through the floating bearing that allows the scissor lift to self-adjust its position along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic feature enables the lifting mechanism to automatically align with uneven surfaces, maintaining stability during operation while allowing the base structure to remain stationary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the scissor lift is designed with fixed bearings on both sides, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to uneven surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to uneven surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different bearing characteristics are applied at different locations of the scissor lift. The front side features a fixed bearing for structural stability, while the rear side incorporates a floating bearing that can adapt to uneven surfaces. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both structural simplicity and surface adaptability where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The floating bearing acts as an intermediary element between the scissor lift and the base structure, allowing relative movement and adjustment. This intermediary component enables the system to adapt to uneven surfaces without requiring complex structural modifications throughout the entire mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the loading device requires simultaneous movement of base structure and load, then the workflow is simplified, but the safety deteriorates due to tipping risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The workflow is segmented into distinct phases: positioning the base structure, lifting the loading structure, extending the freight carrier, and retracting components. This segmentation eliminates the need for simultaneous coordinated movement of base and load, thereby improving safety while maintaining overall workflow efficiency through systematic operation sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure is positioned and stabilized in advance before the lifting operation begins. The scissor lift mechanism is pre-positioned, and the floating bearing is ready to accommodate surface variations. This preliminary preparation ensures safety by establishing a stable foundation before load transfer, eliminating the need for simultaneous movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Volume of moving object

If the lifting device is designed to be compact and foldable, then the stowability is improved, but the lifting force capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestowabilityVSAvoidlifting force
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The scissor lift mechanism is designed to fold into a compact nested configuration for stowage under the loading structure. The crossed links nest within each other, reducing the overall height and volume. Despite this compact design, the mechanism maintains sufficient lifting force capability through optimized link geometry and pivot placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The scissor lift geometry is optimized with offset pivot points and strategically positioned drive elements that maximize mechanical advantage in the folded configuration. By carefully selecting the parameters of link lengths, pivot positions, and drive engagement points, the mechanism achieves both compact stowability and adequate lifting force capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances safety and usability by allowing load transfer without base structure movement, facilitating operation on uneven surfaces, reducing personnel costs, and providing a more homogeneous workflow with improved stability and reduced risk of tipping.

Implementation Method 1

an electro-hydraulic drive unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-hydraulic conversion: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2994410B1Loading apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 HOERBIGER HLDG AG
  • EP2994410B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2994410B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2994410B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A loading apparatus, in particular for conveying freight over a road surface and loading it into a transporting vehicle and unloading it therefrom, comprises a basic structure (2), a loading structure (3), with a freight holder, and a double-action lifting device (4) between the basic structure (2) and the loading structure (3). The loading structure (3) here comprises a lifting frame (11), on which the lifting device (4) acts, and a freight carrier (12), which is mounted on the lifting frame (11), via a pull-out guide (13) with a pull-out direction (A) oriented transversely to the lifting direction, and has the freight holder. An undercarriage serving for advancing the loading apparatus over the road surface is part of the freight carrier (12).