Height-Adjustable Workbench Chain Synchronization for Stable Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work and assembly tables face challenges in maintaining the orientation of the work surface while adjusting its height via a single actuator without complex controls, while also reserving space underneath for other uses and ensuring stability, especially under high loads.

Innovation Solution

A work and assembly table design featuring lifting cylinders on both short sides with a synchronizing device using chains and sprockets for precise height adjustment, allowing for easy assembly and alignment of the work surface, and enabling modular configuration for varying load capacities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single actuator is used for height adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining work surface orientation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidwork surface alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A synchronizing device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single actuator and the work surface support structure. This device includes a first linkage connected to the actuator and a second linkage connected to the work surface, with the linkages coordinated to maintain proper orientation of the work surface during height adjustment. The synchronizing device translates the single actuator's motion into coordinated movements that preserve alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex constructions are used to ensure stability, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework table stabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into modular components including a base, vertical supports, and a work surface support structure with distinct linkage mechanisms. The synchronizing device is further segmented into a first linkage and a second linkage that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If space is reserved underneath the work surface, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidwork table stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanisms are designed to operate in a horizontal plane rather than vertically, allowing the work surface to be supported from below while maintaining stability. The first and second linkages extend horizontally from the actuator and work surface respectively, creating a stable triangular support geometry that preserves both underneath space and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2308344B1Height adjustable work bench

Publication Date: 2017.03.08 REINHOLD BECK MASCHENBAU

AI summary

The table (10') has a side guiding device (146) for guiding a tabletop and/or a support frame (12) during adjusting of height of the table. The synchronizing device has a drive chain at a drive side and an output chain at an output side as vertically active force transmitting elements and is integrated into the guiding device along a longitudinal axis of the table. The drive chain and the output chain are fastened at two contact points at the tabletop or the frame. A synchronizing shaft (161) extends parallel to the axis for coupling the drive chain with the output chain.