Telescopic Lifting Column Alignment for Warp-Free Worktops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting devices with telescoping columns and electric motor drive units face issues of warping worktops and overloading of drive parts due to asynchronous extension of telescopic tubes, leading to reduced service life and mechanical complexity.

Innovation Solution

A flat adjusting element with spaced-apart individual plates and elastic damping elements, preferably rubber springs, is used to align the worktop and guide tubes, ensuring easy adjustment and preventing tension, along with a secondary adjustment element between the base and guide tubes for vertical alignment, utilizing alignment sleeves and screws for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each lifting column is equipped with a drive gear motor, then the lifting device can adjust height, but the telescopic tubes are not extended synchronously causing tension and overloading of drive parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidservice life of drive parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A tension-free connection element (spannungsarmes Verbindungselement) is introduced as an intermediary between the telescopic tubes and the worktop. This intermediary component absorbs the asynchronous extension movements and prevents tension from being transmitted to the drive parts, thereby resolving the contradiction between height adjustment capability and drive part reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element is designed to change its geometric parameters (length, orientation) dynamically during operation. By allowing the connection element to adapt its configuration, the system accommodates asynchronous tube extension without transmitting harmful forces to the motors, maintaining both operational flexibility and component reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic tubes are extended asynchronously, then each column can be adjusted independently, but this causes warping of the worktop and overloading of drive parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent column adjustmentVSAvoidworktop warping and drive overload
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tension-free connection element serves as a mediator that decouples the independent adjustment capability from the harmful effects. It allows each column to be adjusted independently while preventing the transmission of warping forces to the worktop and overload forces to the drive parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element is designed with inherent flexibility and compliance that cushions against asynchronous movements before they can cause damage. This preemptive design feature protects the worktop and drive parts from the harmful effects of non-synchronous extension

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

3Manufacturing precision

If a flat adjusting element is used to align the worktop, then alignment precision is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworktop alignment precisionVSAvoidmechanical complexity of adjusting element
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element achieves alignment through parameter changes in its geometry and configuration rather than through complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. By varying its length and orientation parameters, it provides precise alignment while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tension-free connection element performs the alignment function automatically through its inherent design characteristics, eliminating the need for additional complex adjustment mechanisms. The element self-adjusts to provide proper alignment without requiring elaborate mechanical devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design prevents warping and overloading, extends the service life of drive parts, and simplifies the alignment process without requiring a spirit level, while maintaining structural stability and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

elastic damping elements are provided between the individual plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The damping elements are preferably rubber springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2567931B1Lifting device
Publication Date: 2015.06.17 RK ROSE KRIEGER GMBH VERBINDUNGS UND POSITIONIERSYST
  • EP2567931B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2567931B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2567931B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The lifting device comprises two telescopic lifting columns with an electromotive drive unit and a pedestal. The lifting columns are fixed on the pedestal, where a work plate is arranged in operative connection with the extended telescopic tubes of the lifting column. A plane adjusting element (10) is provided between the work plate and the extended telescopic tubes of the lifting column for aligning the work plate.