Synchronized Lifting Column Locking for Tilt-Free Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Height-adjustable devices, such as lifting tables, face challenges in synchronizing the lifting movement between multiple lifting devices and securely locking them at a desired height without tilting or other operational issues, especially in VIP aircraft where uneven force application is common.
Innovation Solution
A locking device is implemented to synchronize and lock the movement of tension elements through non-positive or positive engagement, using deflection devices and a central locking mechanism that connects and synchronizes the lifting elements, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and ensuring even force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking mechanisms are provided for each lifting device, then secure locking at desired height is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single centralized locking device that controls both lifting columns simultaneously. This single locking mechanism engages with both tension elements (belts) at once, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms on each lifting device. The solution reduces complexity while maintaining reliability through centralized control and synchronized operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized locking device performs multiple functions: it locks both lifting columns simultaneously, synchronizes their movement, and prevents tilting. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate locking mechanisms for each column, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing reliability through coordinated action.
2Ease of operation
If flight attendants manually adjust height from end faces, then operation is simple, but force application is uneven causing tilting and synchronization problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized locking device as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the lifting columns. This mediator ensures that force applied to adjust height is distributed evenly to both lifting columns through its synchronized locking and unlocking mechanism, preventing tilting while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device creates equipotential conditions by ensuring both lifting columns are locked and unlocked simultaneously at equal positions. This synchronization eliminates potential differences in height between columns, preventing tilting while allowing simple manual operation from the end faces.
3Power
If tension elements are used to lift lifting elements, then lifting function is achieved, but synchronization between multiple lifting devices becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization control of multiple lifting devices into a single centralized locking device that engages with both tension elements simultaneously. This ensures that when one tension element is locked, the other is also locked at the corresponding position, maintaining synchronization stability while preserving the lifting power provided by the tension elements.
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
This solution enables secure, synchronized height adjustment and locking of lifting devices, preventing tilting and ensuring uniform movement, thus improving operational ease and reliability, particularly in applications like VIP aircraft where precise control is critical.
Implementation Method 1
Tension elements which are designed to lift each lifting element relative to the associated standing element by means of deflection devices
Implementation Method 2
The deflection devices, preferably deflection rollers, can be used both for the mere deflection of the force of the tension elements and for supporting the lifting process in the sense of a block and tackle
Implementation Method 3
a locking device is provided for locking each pulling element by means of a non-positive and/or positive engagement on this pulling element and the locking device is also designed to synchronize the movement of the pulling elements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Height-adjustable device (1) with at least two synchronously height-adjustable lifting devices (2, 3), each comprising a support element (4, 7) and a lifting element (5, 8) height-adjustable relative thereto, wherein the height adjustment is effected by means of pull elements (6, 9) which are formed by deflection devices (11, 13) for raising each lifting element (5, 8) relative to the associated support element (4, 7); wherein each pull element (6, 9) is frictionally and/or positively locked to two lifting devices (2, 3) and an elongation in the area of the first lifting device (2) causes a synchronous shortening in the area of the second lifting device (3); and each pull element (6, 9) is designed for raising only one lifting element (5, 8) relative to the associated support element (4, 7).To ensure synchronous height adjustment of the lifting devices (2, 3), a locking device (26) is provided according to the invention for locking each pull element (6, 9) by means of a force-fit and/or positive-fit engagement with this pull element (6, 9). Additionally, the locking device (26) is designed to synchronize the movement of the pull elements (6, 9).