Self-locking Lifting Mechanism with Adjustable Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Z-axis lifting mechanisms lack secure self-locking capability, especially in vacuumed environments like clean rooms, and are prone to displacement due to vibration or changes in vertical loadability, requiring continuous power and increasing apparatus volume.
Innovation Solution
A lifting mechanism with a prestressing section that includes a bed, guide section, ascending/descending seat, rocking member, drive section, and prestressing section to adjust sliding friction, allowing secure self-locking and power-independent operation by pivoting the rocking member between ascending and descending positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If wedge structures with guide slopes are used for lifting, then the lifting force is reduced and speed is decreased, but the self-locking capability is poor and the apparatus volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking member can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking member engages with the guide slope under spring pressure to provide self-locking during lifting, but can be disengaged when needed, allowing the system to adapt between different operational states rather than relying on fixed geometric self-locking alone
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the guide slope and the load. It transfers and amplifies the normal force from the guide slope into a locking force through spring pressure, enabling reliable self-locking without requiring the guide slope geometry alone to provide sufficient mechanical advantage
2Reliability
If the lead angle is decreased to achieve self-locking effect, then the vertical component force decreases, but the apparatus volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of locking force by introducing spring pressure acting on the locking member. This allows the system to achieve self-locking through adjustable spring force rather than relying solely on fixed lead angle geometry, enabling compact design without sacrificing locking reliability
3Reliability
If conventional lifting apparatus is used, then the load may displace due to vibration or change of vertical loadability, but continuous power is required to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-locking through the interaction between the locking member, spring pressure, and guide slope geometry. Once the lifting force is applied, the spring automatically engages the locking member to hold the position without requiring continuous power input. The system serves itself by converting the lifting motion into a locked state through mechanical advantage and spring force
4Reliability
If worm and worm wheel reduction mechanism is used, then the load can be held at height by holding capability, but it cannot be applied to vacuumed or clean room environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the self-locking function from complex reduction mechanisms like worm and worm wheel, and implements it through a simplified locking member and guide slope arrangement. This extracted design uses only basic mechanical elements (guide slopes, locking member, spring) that can operate in vacuum and clean room environments without the complexity of meshing gears that contaminate or fail in such environments
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 mechanism provides secure self-locking and stable load support in any position, even during power cuts or vibrations, with adjustable friction to maintain load stability in clean room environments.
Implementation Method 1
a guide section for linear reciprocal motion
Implementation Method 2
a prestressing section for changing sliding friction of the guide section
Implementation Method 3
a rocking member with a predetermined length, a first end of the rocking member being pivotally connected to the ascending/descending seat
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting mechanism with self-locking function, including an ascending/descending seat, a rocking member pivotally connected with the ascending/descending seat, a guide section and a prestressing section. The rocking member serves to convert a horizontal force provided by a power source into a vertical force to up and down reciprocally move the ascending/descending seat in the direction of Z-axis. The guide section includes guide members, which can be cross roller ways for guiding the ascending/descending seat to ascend/descend. The prestressing section can be adjusted to change the gaps between fixed guide rails and movable guide rails of the cross roller ways. Accordingly, the sliding friction between the fixed guide rails and the movable guide rails can be adjusted to provide auxiliary locking force for locating the ascending/descending seat.