Lifting column, preferably for height adjustable tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Height adjustable tables experience significant vibrations due to horizontal forces, which affect stability and require efficient damping solutions to meet vibration threshold standards while maintaining design aesthetics and manufacturing feasibility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lifting column guide system with prestressed sliders, where a first set of sliders is subjected to a larger prestressing and a second set to a smaller prestressing, applied differently across planes, effectively reducing vibrations by varying the frictional forces and manufacturing tolerances, and utilizing embossing for precise deformation to achieve optimal damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If larger overlapping of telescopic members is used to improve stability, then vibration resistance improves, but the height adjustment range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different prestressing forces to sliders in different planes (first plane vs second plane). Specifically, sliders in the first plane are prestressed with a first force while sliders in the second plane are prestressed with a second force that is smaller than the first. This local differentiation allows optimized vibration damping in critical directions while maintaining height adjustment capability.
2Ease of operation
If more sliders are added to reduce friction and improve smooth operation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly prestressing all sliders, the patent applies prestressing selectively to specific planes. The first plane contains sliders that are prestressed while the second plane contains sliders that are prestressed with a smaller force. This localized approach provides effective friction control without requiring excessive numbers of sliders throughout the entire structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If prestressing is applied to reduce vibrations, then stability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the prestressing application into two distinct planes with different prestressing levels. This localization allows each plane to be optimized independently - the first plane receives higher prestressing for critical vibration directions while the second plane receives lower prestressing, reducing the overall precision burden compared to uniform high-level prestressing of all sliders.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full prestressing to all sliders, the patent applies partial prestressing to sliders in the second plane. The prestressing force in the second plane is deliberately made smaller than in the first plane, providing sufficient vibration control in critical directions while reducing manufacturing precision requirements and friction in less critical directions.
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 significantly reduces vibrations in lifting columns, enhancing stability and meeting height adjustment standards with reduced energy consumption and manufacturing costs, while maintaining a slim and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of sliders is arranged on an internal side of the first member... and may be displaced out of, and where a second and third set of sliders are arranged on the outside of the second member... has been applied a given first prestressing between the first member and the second member, while the third set of sliders... has been applied a given second prestressing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4
AI summary
Lifting column preferably for height adjustable tables comprising a guide (5) and a drive unit (9) where the guide (5) comprises at least a first member (5a) and a second member (5b), where the members (5a, 5b, 5c) are arranged mutually telescopically relative to each other. At the end of the first member (5a) which the second member (5b) can be displaced from sliders are arranged on an internal side thereof. At the end of the second member (5b) extending into the first member (5a) sliders are likewise arranged on the outside thereof. In a first plane the sliders have a first, a large, prestressing between the first member (5a) and the second member (5b), while the sliders in the second plane has a second, a small, prestressing between the first (5a) and second member (5b). Thus, a good dampening of vibrations of the table is achieved in case of exposure to horizontal forces.