Lifting column

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting columns with spindle units are prone to deflection and deformation under high axial loads and torques, leading to potential damage and requiring bulky designs to accommodate drive units, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a supporting element connected to the spindle that abuts the inner side of telescopic members, transferring horizontal forces and torques to the members, thereby preventing spindle deflection and allowing for a compact design with high load capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a lifting column with a piston and cylinder arrangement is used, then lifting force can be generated, but the piston rod becomes vulnerable to buckling under compressive loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting forceVSAvoidpiston rod buckling resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting column is divided into multiple telescopic segments (first lifting column portion, second lifting column portion, etc.) that can extend and retract relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve greater extended length and lifting capacity while maintaining reasonable compressive strength in each individual segment, preventing buckling of any single piston rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic lifting column employs a nested structure where the second lifting column portion is received within the first lifting column portion, and additional portions are nested within previous ones. This nesting arrangement allows compact retraction while providing extended length when needed, and ensures that each nested portion provides structural support to prevent buckling of inner portions under compressive loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the lifting column is designed to be retractable into a confined space, then space efficiency is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretracted volumeVSAvoidtelescopic mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Each lifting column portion serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to prevent buckling, acts as a guide for telescopic movement, provides a mounting surface for seals and buffers, and contributes to the overall lifting capacity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If telescopic lifting column portions are used to achieve retraction, then volume is reduced, but the risk of collision between portions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretracted volumeVSAvoidcollision risk between portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Buffers are positioned at the distal end of each lifting column portion, acting as intermediary elements between adjacent portions. These buffers prevent direct collision between the portions during telescopic movement, absorbing impact forces and ensuring reliable, damage-free operation during extension and retraction cycles.

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 supporting element maintains the spindle's rectilinear position, enabling the lifting column to withstand high forces and torques while reducing its cross-sectional size, thus enhancing structural strength and rigidity without increasing volume.

Implementation Method 1

A buffer is positioned at the distal end of each lifting column portion... The buffers prevent collision between the lifting column portions and absorb impact forces during telescopic movement.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4057974B1Lifting column

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 LINAK AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a lifting column comprising at least two telescopically arranged members and a drive unit located in the hollow hereof. The drive unit comprises an electric motor, a transmission and a spindle unit with a number of spindles and at least one spindle nut. The electric motor drives the spindle unit via the transmission. The drive unit is connected to the at least two telescopically arranged members enabling a longitudinal displacement of the telescopic members, such that they are extended out of or retracted into each other depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor. The lifting column comprises at least one supporting element attached to a spindle, where the supporting element is configured to abut the inner side of a surrounding member. Thus, a strong construction is achieved as the supporting element prevents the spindle unit from deflecting, as a horizontal force resulting from a high axial load or torque will be transferred to the members via the supporting element.