Vertical Motion Pendant Arm Gas Spring Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pendant arms for mounting and positioning electrical enclosures lack efficient and adjustable mechanisms for vertical motion, particularly in supporting operator interface controls, which limits their versatility and stability.
Innovation Solution
A vertical motion pendant arm incorporating a drawbridge mechanism with a rotatable worm, gear, and gas springs, along with a tension adjustment device, allowing for adjustable counterforce and stable positioning without the need for locking devices, and enabling field-adjustable load capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanisms (threaded bolts, sliding members, mechanical springs) are used for vertical motion, then the pendant arm can achieve positioning, but the device complexity increases and adjustment flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs gas springs as counterweight mechanisms to balance the weight of the electrical enclosure, enabling smooth vertical adjustment without complex threading or sliding components. The gas springs provide continuous counterbalancing force that can be easily adjusted by changing the spring precharge pressure, simplifying the overall mechanism while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pendant arm system transitions from static locking mechanisms to a dynamic balance system using gas springs. The enclosure can be positioned at any height within the adjustment range and will remain stable without requiring locking devices, as the gas springs continuously adapt to maintain equilibrium throughout the motion range.
2Ease of operation
If multiple pivoting bars and counterweight assemblies are used, then vertical motion is achieved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components such as multiple pivoting bars and complex counterweight assemblies. By using a single gas spring mechanism directly coupled to the enclosure mounting assembly, the system achieves vertical adjustment with minimal components, reducing both weight and operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed load capacity designs are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gas springs enable continuous adjustment of the counterbalancing force by changing the precharge pressure parameter. This allows the pendant arm system to adapt to different enclosure weights without requiring redesign or selection of different mechanical components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while maximizing load capacity adaptability across a wide range.
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 solution provides stable and adjustable vertical positioning of electrical enclosures, supporting a range of loads and maintaining desired heights without locking, while being resistant to vibrations and allowing for easy repositioning without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
one or more gas springs coupled to the drawbridge arms and the connectors. The gas springs can provide a counterforce to the enclosure.
Implementation Method 2
a drawbridge mechanism having a rotatable worm, a rotatable gear that engages the rotatable worm
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a vertical motion pendant arm for supporting an enclosure at a desired height. The vertical motion pendant arm can include an enclosure mounting assembly, a support mounting assembly, and one or more connectors. The vertical motion pendant arm can also include a drawbridge mechanism having a rotatable worm, a rotatable gear that engages the rotatable worm, one or more drawbridge arms coupled to the rotatable gear, and one or more gas springs coupled to the drawbridge arms and the connectors. The gas springs can provide a counterforce to the enclosure.