Spring-Mounted Bearing Device for Vehicle Lifting Support Arm
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support arm systems for lifting devices, particularly those used for lifting vehicles, require high operating forces for precise positioning due to the weight of the support arm extensions and challenging access to lifting points, which complicates operation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a bearing device that includes a spring-mounted bearing axle, connecting elements, and adjusting mechanisms to facilitate smooth telescopic movement and lock the support arm in place, reducing the required operating force and enhancing user comfort while maintaining safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If support arm extensions are made telescopic to improve positioning flexibility, then the weight of the support arm increases, but the operating force required for precise positioning becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is integrated into the bearing device to provide an elastic counteracting force that compensates for the dead weight of the support arm extension. This reduces the operating force required by the user when extending or retracting the telescopic support arm, as the spring absorbs part of the gravitational force acting on the extension elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device incorporates a spring element that dynamically adjusts to the load conditions. When the support arm extension is moved, the spring compresses or extends to provide variable counteracting force, making the system adaptive to different positions and loads rather than requiring constant high force from the user.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bearing axis is rigidly mounted to support the support arm weight, then structural stability is improved, but the telescopic movement becomes rough and requires higher operating force
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing axis is elastically mounted via a spring element instead of being rigidly fixed. This elastic mounting allows the bearing axis to move dynamically with the support arm extension, maintaining stable support while enabling smooth telescopic movement. The spring absorbs shocks and variations in load, preventing the rough movement that would occur with a rigid mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting stiffness of the bearing axis is changed from rigid (infinite stiffness) to elastic (finite stiffness) by introducing a spring element. This parameter change allows the system to maintain stability while reducing friction and resistance during telescopic movement, improving operational smoothness.
3Reliability
If spring force is increased to prevent accidental telescopic extension under load, then operating safety is improved, but the operating force required for normal operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed to provide just enough counteracting force to prevent accidental telescopic extension under normal operating conditions, without over-compen sating. This partial action approach ensures safety by preventing unintended movement while avoiding excessive spring force that would make normal operation difficult. The spring force is calibrated to match the expected load range.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and preload of the spring element are optimized to provide appropriate resistance. The spring parameters are selected so that the counteracting force is sufficient to prevent accidental extension under load but not so strong as to require excessive operating force during normal telescopic operations.
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 allows for easier operation of the support arm by reducing the necessary operating force and preventing unintentional telescopic extension under load, ensuring smooth and safe movement of the support arm extensions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (70, 71) configured to elastically support the bearing axis (50)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rolling elements (90) arranged on a longitudinal axis of the bearing axis (50), which rolling elements (90) are in contact with a section of the support arm (100)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Bearing device 1, 10 for a support arm 100 of a motor vehicle lifting device with a bearing axis 50 for contacting a section of the support arm 100 of the motor vehicle lifting device, a connecting device 60 which is configured to connect the bearing axis 50 to a section of the support arm of the motor vehicle lifting device, and a spring element 70 which is configured to mount the bearing axis 50 movably.