Scissor Lifter for Beekeeping Frames with Toggle Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices for beekeeping frames are bulky, difficult to transport, and require significant effort to handle, especially when moving between beehives, making interventions in bee colonies cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact lifting device with scissor mechanisms and toggle levers that easily attach to the sides of beekeeping frames, allowing effortless insertion and removal of frames from the stack, and can be self-locking in the raised position for stable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stationary cranes or mobile frame lifters are used to lift frames, then the frames can be lifted and removed from the stack, but the devices become complex to install or extremely heavy and unwieldy to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into separate support elements that can be independently inserted between frames on opposite sides of the hive. Each support element operates independently through its own scissor mechanism, allowing the device to be broken down into manageable components for transport and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses scissor mechanisms with toggle levers that transition from a collapsed state for transport to an extended state for lifting. The toggle levers provide dynamic control, allowing the support elements to be easily inserted and locked into position through simple lever operation, transforming the device from static to dynamic as needed.
2Force
If heavy machinery is used to lift frames, then the lifting capacity is sufficient, but the device becomes difficult to handle and requires significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor mechanisms utilize geometric curvature and triangular structures that provide mechanical advantage. The scissor arms are arranged in a configuration that converts small input forces into large lifting forces through geometric leverage, allowing light manual operation to lift heavy frames without requiring powerful motors or complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle levers are designed to automatically lock the scissor mechanisms in the raised position through their own geometric configuration. Once the lever is actuated, the mechanism self-locks without requiring additional locking components or complex control systems, providing self-service functionality that simplifies operation and reduces effort.
3Ease of operation
If existing lifting devices are used, then frames can be lifted, but the devices are bulky and require significant space for transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to nest within each other or collapse into a compact configuration when not in use. The scissor mechanisms can be folded or collapsed to a minimal volume, allowing the entire lifting device to be stored in a small container or transported in the trunk of a car, eliminating the need for bulky dedicated equipment storage.
4Reliability
If complex lifting mechanisms are used, then the lifting function is achieved, but the device requires multiple components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements combine multiple functions into single components: the scissor mechanism provides both the lifting action and the structural support, while the toggle lever simultaneously acts as both the actuating mechanism and the locking mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable lifting performance.
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 quick and easy transport and handling of beekeeping frames, facilitating efficient interventions in bee colonies without the need for heavy machinery, and allowing for stable, one-handed operation with enhanced mechanical stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
support elements are connected via a scissor mechanism which can be spread apart by means of a toggle lever
Implementation Method 2
a toggle lever consisting of two lever elements hinged to one another
Implementation Method 3
the toggle levers are designed to behyperextensible, so that in theirhyperextended position, they lock the scissor mechanisms in the spread-apart position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for lifting frames (2) of a magazine hive (3) for beekeeping, the frames (2) having an approximately horizontal, projecting rib (9) on two opposite sides (7, 8) of the magazine hive (3), the device (1) having two pairs of support elements (11, 12) each with an upper and a lower support element, each pair being arrangable on one side (7, 8) of the magazine hive (3) and the support elements (11, 12) of a pair being arrangable between the ribs (9) of two frames (2), and the support elements (11, 12) in each pair being connected via a scissor mechanism (18) which can be spread apart by means of a toggle lever (19) consisting of two lever elements (28, 29) articulated to one another.