Telescopic Linear Handling Module Using Nested Sheet Metal Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopic linear handling devices are heavy, large, and require high power consumption due to their construction from extruded aluminum or welded steel sections, limiting their compactness and dynamic control, especially when moving loads in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
The use of folded and formed sheet metal sections with channel-shaped cross-sections and integrated guides allows for a lightweight and compact telescopic linear handling device, where one elongated element is nested inside the other, reducing weight and size, and employing a motor unit with motion transmission devices for controlled movement along multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If extruded aluminum or welded steel sections are used for elongated elements, then structural strength is ensured, but weight and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the elongated elements by using channel-shaped cross-sections with optimized wall thicknesses and base widths. The first elongated element has a channel shape with base width B1, while the second has base width B2 < B1, allowing nested arrangement. These parameter optimizations reduce material usage and weight while maintaining structural strength through the channel configuration that provides high strength-to-weight ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by arranging the second elongated element inside the first elongated element along the direction of movement. The channel-shaped cross-sections are specifically designed with different base widths (B1 for first element, B2 for second element where B2 < B1) to enable this nested configuration. This nesting principle significantly reduces the overall device size and weight while maintaining the telescopic functionality and structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional elongated elements are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the handling device becomes large and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the second elongated element within the first elongated element. The channel-shaped cross-sections are designed with base widths B1 and B2 respectively, where B2 < B1, enabling the smaller element to fit inside the larger one. This nested arrangement dramatically reduces the device volume when retracted while maintaining structural stability through the rigid channel configuration and guided movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the channel-shaped cross-sections, including wall thicknesses e1 and e2, and base widths B1 and B2. These parameter changes enable the elements to achieve high structural stability with minimal material, allowing compact nested arrangement without compromising the rigidity and stability required for handling loads.
3Force
If heavy elongated elements are used, then load-bearing capacity is sufficient, but power consumption and actuating unit requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the elongated elements by using channel-shaped cross-sections with optimized dimensions (base widths B1 and B2, wall thicknesses e1 and e2). This configuration provides sufficient load-bearing capacity through the efficient structural form while minimizing mass. The reduced weight directly lowers the force required for acceleration and deceleration, thereby reducing power consumption of the actuating unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the handling device into multiple lightweight elongated elements with channel-shaped cross-sections rather than using a single heavy structure. The first and second elongated elements are separately designed with optimized channel parameters and work together in a nested telescopic arrangement. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity, reducing overall power requirements.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials and sections are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but dynamic control is hindered due to high inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters by using channel-shaped cross-sections with specific base widths (B1 > B2) and wall thicknesses (e1, e2). These parameter optimizations reduce the mass and moment of inertia of the elongated elements while maintaining structural integrity. The reduced inertia enables faster acceleration and deceleration, improving dynamic control and responsiveness without significantly complicating manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) comprises: a support structure (12); a first elongated element (14), which extends parallel to the direction of movement (x) and is carried by the support structure (12) by means of first rectilinear guides (16) so as to slide relative to the support structure (12) along the direction of movement (x); a second elongated element (18), which extends parallel to the direction of movement (x) and is coupled to the first elongated element (14) by means of second rectilinear guides (20) so as to slide relative to the first elongated element (14) along the direction of movement (x); a carriage (22) carried by the second elongated element (18) by means of third rectilinear guides (24) so as to slide relative to the second elongated element (18) along the direction of movement (x); and an actuating unit (56, 58, 68, 76) arranged to control the telescopic movement of the first elongated element (14), of the second elongated element (18) and of the carriage (22) along the direction of movement (x) between a retracted position and a fully extracted position. The first elongated element (14) and the second elongated element (18) are made at least partially of folded and/or formed sheet metal, and in particular comprise each a respective section (26) of folded and/or formed sheet metal having an open cross-section.