Telescopic Strut Synchronization via Form-Fitting Traction Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for lifting and stabilizing loads, such as suspension gear for vehicles, are complex, heavy, and expensive due to the use of rope-based synchronization systems that lead to undesirable longitudinal variations and wear.

Innovation Solution

A construction using five form-fitting traction structures, including toothed belts or chains, to synchronize the displacement of telescopic struts, preventing longitudinal variations and ensuring self-stabilization without the need for periodic readjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rope-based synchronization systems are used to synchronize telescopic struts, then the struts can be stabilized during lifting movements, but longitudinal variations and wear occur due to twisting and untwisting of the ropes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of telescopic strutsVSAvoidlongitudinal variation and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rope-based synchronization system with a toothed belt system. The toothed belts are engaged with gears on the telescopic struts, providing positive mechanical engagement that eliminates the twisting and untwisting problems of rope systems. This substitution maintains synchronization while preventing longitudinal variations and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization system is divided into separate functional components: toothed belts for power transmission, gears for engagement with the telescopic struts, and tensioning devices for maintaining proper belt tension. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and facilitates easier maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If rope-based synchronization systems are used, then telescopic struts can be stabilized, but continual twisting and untwisting causes stretching and wear requiring periodic adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of telescopic strutsVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The toothed belt system replaces the rope system, eliminating the twisting and untwisting that causes stretching and wear. The positive engagement between toothed belts and gears provides reliable synchronization without the maintenance issues of rope systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning devices are designed to automatically maintain proper belt tension throughout operation, eliminating the need for periodic manual adjustment. This self-adjusting mechanism reduces maintenance requirements and ensures consistent performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If articulated arms or scissors are used to stabilize the load, then the load is stabilized without impeding lifting movements, but the device becomes complex, heavy and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload stabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilization mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lifting function and stabilization function into a single integrated system. The toothed belt synchronization mechanism that controls the telescopic struts during lifting also provides stabilization, eliminating the need for separate articulated arms or scissors mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The toothed belt system serves multiple functions: it synchronizes the telescopic struts during lifting movements, stabilizes the load position, and prevents longitudinal variations. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate stabilization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12319551B2Device for lifting loads

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A device for lifting and stabilizing loads which can be stabilized via two crossing, pivotably articulated telescopic struts that are interconnected in a synchronized manner so as to counter undesirable length variations as a result of forces acting in the cross-beam longitudinal direction, wherein connection of the telescopic struts is established via five traction parts, wherein one first traction part in the internal tube of each telescopic strut is mounted at both ends via a respective inner disk and outer disk, where a second traction part is mounted on two rotatable disks horizontally between the telescopic struts, where disks of the respective first and second traction parts each situated on one side are kinetically interconnected to transmit rotational movements between both disks, and where one further traction part is fastened in external tube, the further form-fitting traction part being kinetically connected to the inner disk of the first traction part.