Strut-Synchronized Raising and Lowering Device for Safe Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing raising and lowering devices for vehicles and similar applications are complex, limit the loading area, and pose a risk of objects falling during lifting or lowering, potentially causing injury or damage.
Innovation Solution
A raising and lowering device comprising a first and second beam connected by struts and a synchronizing element, allowing synchronized movement between retracted and extended positions, with locking and damping mechanisms to ensure safety and ease of use, and the option to connect multiple devices for heavier loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing raising and lowering devices are used, then lifting function is provided, but device complexity increases and loading area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent beams (first beam and second beam) that can move separately along the profile element. Each beam is connected through struts to the profile element, allowing them to be segmented and moved independently to maximize loading area while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beams move along the profile element in a dimension parallel to the vehicle roof, rather than vertically. This dimensional change allows the loading area to be fully utilized while the beams are repositioned, solving the contradiction between device complexity and loading area.
2Reliability
If existing raising and lowering devices are used, then lifting function is provided, but risk of objects falling increases
Solution Approach 1:
Locking mechanisms are incorporated into the device that can secure the beams at specific positions before lifting begins. This preliminary action ensures objects are securely held, preventing falls during operation, while the locking mechanisms are designed to be integrated into the existing structure rather than adding significant complexity.
3Reliability
If synchronized movement of beams is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The struts serve multiple functions: they connect the beams to the profile element, provide structural support, and incorporate damping mechanisms to control beam movement. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, synchronized movement is achieved without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The struts act as intermediary elements between the beams and the profile element, mediating the movement and forces. The struts with damping mechanisms ensure synchronized, controlled movement of the beams, improving safety while distributing the complexity across multiple simple components rather than requiring a complex control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A raising and lowering device for support of load, where the raising and lowering device includes a first beam, a second beam, and at least one profile element. Each of the first and the second beam is connected to the at least one profile element through at least one strut. One end of each strut is supported through a slide and pivot connection and an opposite end of each strut is supported through a pivot connection. The device further includes at least one synchronizing element rotatably supported at each end of the at least one profile element. The at least one synchronizing element extends in a loop substantially around the entire length of the profile element, to which at least one synchronizing element each of the first and second beams, via a bracket, is connected to such that the first and second beams are movable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position of the raising and lowering device.