Systems and methods for lift force estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of height adjustable workstations face challenges in accurately matching the lift force with the weight of components, as existing systems lack precise methods for estimating and adjusting the lift force during height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a potentiometer or position sensor coupled to a counterbalance mechanism, which estimates the lift force and communicates it to the user, allowing for adjustments to balance the lift force with the weight of the components, using a controller to calculate spring deflection and tension based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a counterbalance mechanism with energy storage device is used to provide lift assist, then the ease of height adjustment is improved, but the precision of lift force matching with component weight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a position sensor that detects the position of the energy storage member and provides feedback to a controller. The controller calculates the lift force based on this position data and compares it with the weight of supported components, enabling precise matching through closed-loop control. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise lift force matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical lift force adjustment with an integrated system combining position sensing, electronic control, and automated calculation. The controller automatically determines the required tension adjustment based on sensor data and component weight information, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated electromechanical control to achieve higher precision.
2Device complexity
If manual tension adjustment is used in the counterbalance mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of lift force estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the position sensor and the tension adjustment mechanism. This intermediary processes sensor data, calculates the required tension based on component weight, and automatically adjusts the energy storage member tension. This intermediary component enables precise lift force estimation without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated tension adjustment where the controller automatically regulates the energy storage member tension based on position feedback and component weight data. This eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while achieving high precision lift force estimation through self-regulating control.
3Measurement precision
If position sensor is added to estimate lift force, then the measurement precision of lift force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the position of the energy storage member, provides data for lift force calculation, and enables both manual and automated adjustment modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and control mechanisms, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position sensing function with the lift force estimation and control functions into an integrated system. The controller combines position sensor data with component weight information to automatically calculate and adjust tension, merging multiple functions into a unified control architecture that minimizes overall system complexity while achieving high measurement precision.
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
Enables users to precisely adjust the lift force to match the weight of the components, enhancing user comfort and efficiency in height adjustments by providing real-time feedback and automatic or manual tension adjustment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a counterbalance mechanism (115) coupled to the height adjustable assembly and configured to provide a lift force to counterbalance the load, the counterbalance mechanism including an energy storage member
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor coupled to the energy storage member and configured to output a signal based on a position of the energy storage member
Data Source
AI summary
A lift force of a height adjustable assembly can be estimated using a potentiometer or other position sensor coupled to a counterbalance mechanism. The estimated lift force can be communicated to the user, e.g., presented on an electronic display, and the user can continue adjustment of the lift force, if needed, to substantially balance the lift force with the weight of the components coupled to the assembly.