Spring-Actuated Load Balancing Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load support systems are bulky due to the need for counter loads to balance loads, and require manual recalibration with every change in load, making them inefficient and cumbersome for easy movement.
Innovation Solution
A support system with a base, load carrier, and extendable/retractable linear actuator connected to spring means, allowing for automatic balancing by detecting and adjusting torques without measuring them, using a parallelogram arrangement and sensors to maintain load orientation and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a counter load is used to balance the load, then the load can be balanced and moved easily, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the balancing function from a separate counter load and integrates it into the support arm structure itself. The spring means are mounted directly on the support arm, eliminating the need for a separate counter load component, thus reducing system bulk while maintaining balancing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the balancing function with the support arm structure by integrating spring means directly onto the support arm. This combination eliminates the need for separate counter load components, reducing overall system volume while maintaining the balancing function
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual balancing is performed with every load change, then the system can adapt to different loads, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the position of the support arm and sends signals to the control unit. The control unit automatically adjusts the linear actuator to move the spring means, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to different loads without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-balancing through automatic detection and adjustment mechanisms. When the load changes, the sensor detects the imbalance, and the control unit automatically repositions the spring means via the linear actuator, enabling the system to self-correct without external intervention
3Productivity
If automatic balancing is implemented, then recalibration becomes efficient, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using sensors and control units. The sensor detects support arm position, the control unit processes this information, and the linear actuator executes adjustments, substituting complex manual procedures with a coordinated electromechanical system
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 compact, automatic, and efficient load balancing without the need for counter loads, allowing for easy movement and recalibration of loads, such as microscopes, by automatically adjusting the linear actuator to maintain balance based on detected torque thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
spring means, the linear actuator being fixed to the base and the spring means being pivotably connected to the linear actuator
Implementation Method 2
a first torque is exerted by the spring means on said support arm or the load carrier relative to the base
Implementation Method 3
an extendable and retractable linear actuator connecting the base and spring means
Implementation Method 4
upon actuating, i.e. extending or retracting, the linear actuator will change the angle between the linear actuator and the spring means
Implementation Method 5
a weight force or torque exerted by the load and, if applicable, further components of the support system on the base can be compensated by the spring means
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of balancing a load using a support system (100) for carrying and balancing a load (180), the support system (100) including a base (110) and a load carrier (120) adapted to be connected to the load (180), at least two support arms (130, 135) connecting the base (110) and the load carrier (120), such that the load carrier (120) is movable in fixed orientation relative to the base (110), an extendable and retractable linear actuator (140) connecting the base (110) and spring means (150), the linear actuator (140) being fixed to the base (110) and the spring means (150) being pivotably connected to the linear actuator (140) in an angle (ϕ) different from 0° and 180° and to one of the at least two support arms (130, 135) or the load carrier (120), such that a first torque is exerted by the spring means (150) on said support arm or the load carrier relative to the base (110), including the steps of blocking movement of one of the at least two support arms (130, 135), determining whether a resulting torque resulting from the first torque and a second torque exceeds a threshold by means of resulting torque determining means (160), the second torque being exerted by the support system (100) and/or the load (180) on the spring means (150) counteracting the first torque, and actuating the linear actuator (140) if the resulting torque exceeds the threshold in order to reduce the resulting torque, as well as such a support system (100).