Manual Handling Device Strand Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for manually moving objects require continuous deflection and force application by operators to maintain object displacement, leading to increased effort and discomfort during handling.

Innovation Solution

A method that monitors the strand angle and adjusts the strand pivot point to maintain a vertical position, allowing for a transition from tracking to transport mode where the strand can move at a constant speed within a defined angle range, reducing the need for continuous operator input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lifting rope is deflected laterally to move the trolley, then the trolley can be shifted to correct the lifting rope's position, but the operator must constantly initiate deflection and exert continuous force, increasing operator effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator effortVSAvoidcontinuous movement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The operator only needs to deflect the lifting rope once to initiate movement. The control system then automatically tracks the rope's new position and moves the trolley accordingly, eliminating the need for continuous operator input forces during the movement phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the lifting rope's position and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the trolley's position. The control unit compares the rope's actual position with the desired position and commands the trolley to move, maintaining automatic tracking without continuous operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the trolley is moved to track the lifting rope's position, then continuous movement is achieved, but the operator must walk alongside the shifted load and constantly apply force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous movementVSAvoidoperator convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the tracking function automatically using sensors and control algorithms. The control unit continuously monitors the lifting rope position and commands the trolley to follow, making the system self-regulating without requiring the operator to physically track or continuously adjust the load position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical tracking process is replaced with an automated electronic control system. Optical or positional sensors detect the lifting rope's position, and the control unit translates this information into automated trolley movement commands, replacing the need for manual mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support strand pivot point is continuously adjusted to maintain vertical position, then the support strand remains vertical, but this requires complex continuous control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strand vertical positionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the support strand's position and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares the measured position with the desired vertical position and automatically adjusts the pivot point location, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability without complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically maintains the support strand's vertical position through continuous monitoring and self-adjustment. The pivot point location is dynamically adjusted by the control unit based on real-time position data, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain stability without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3736244B1Method for operating a device for manually moving objects
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 J SCHMALZ GMBH
  • EP3736244B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3736244B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)
  • EP3736244B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a device (10) for manually moving objects (12), wherein a string angle (α) of a support string (28) of the device is monitored relative to the vertical and, if the string angle is not equal to zero degrees, a string pivot point (30) of the support string is shifted to adjust the string angle to zero degrees, wherein furthermore a positioning angle (α) of a component of a holding device (16) of the device relative to a reference configuration (50) is monitored to determine whether the positioning angle exceeds a predetermined first transport angle threshold (54), and, if the first transport angle threshold is exceeded at least once, the device is switched to a transport mode (58) in which the string pivot point is shifted at a predetermined transport speed (60) and in which the shifting continues to occur at the transport speed.when the positioning angle is changed within a predefined transport angle range (β).