Synchronized Beam 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 through struts to a profile element, with a synchronizing element forming a closed loop around the profile element, allowing synchronized movement between retracted and extended positions, and featuring locking and damping mechanisms to ensure safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidloading area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

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 individual struts to the profile element, allowing them to be segmented and moved independently, thus reducing overall device complexity while maximizing loading area utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beams move along the profile element in a dimensional path that utilizes the entire loading surface area. The profile element serves as a guide rail that defines the movement dimension, allowing the beams to access different positions across the loading area without interfering with each other, thereby maximizing the usable loading space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If existing raising and lowering devices are used, then lifting function is provided, but risk of objects falling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronizing element provides feedback control by ensuring that the first and second beams move in a coordinated manner. The closed-loop mechanism around the profile element monitors and maintains the relative positions of the beams, preventing uncontrolled movement that could cause objects to fall, while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates damping mechanisms that provide beforehand cushioning to control the movement speed and deceleration of the beams. This prevents sudden movements or dropping of objects by dissipating kinetic energy before it can cause harm, enhancing safety without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If synchronized movement is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronizing element acts as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the movement of the first and second beams. By introducing this intermediate component that engages with the profile element, the beams are synchronized without requiring complex electronic control systems, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving reliable synchronized movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device is easy to use, utilizes the entire loading surface, reduces the risk of objects falling, and can handle heavier loads by synchronizing the movement of the beams, ensuring safe and efficient loading and unloading.

Implementation Method 1

at least one synchronizing element extending over a surface of the at least one profile element, to which at least one synchronizing element each of said first and second beams is further connected, so that the first and second beams are movable relative to each other between a retracted and an extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSynchronization mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

each of the first and second beams through at least one strut is connected to the least one profile element, where the strut is supported through pivot connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot connection: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

featuring locking and damping mechanisms to ensure safe operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3615382B1A device for support of loads
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 HPG AS
  • EP3615382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3615382B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3615382B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a raising and lowering device for support of load, wherein the raising and lowering device comprises a first beam (2) and a second beam (3) moveable relative to each other, where a synchronizing element (6) connects the first and second beams to a profile element, where the first beam further is connected via strut (7) to the profile element and the other beam is connected through strut (8) to the profile element, wherein 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.