Lift capacity of a spring loaded arm

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the lift capacity of a spring-loaded arm mechanism used in engineering mechanics. Participants are exploring the geometric relationships, forces, and moments involved in the system, which includes a compression spring and various linkages.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the mechanical setup involving a spring-loaded arm and its components, including links and sliding joints.
  • Another participant requests the spreadsheet used for calculations, indicating a need for clarity on the calculations presented.
  • A participant mentions building geometric relations between angles and spring deflection to calculate forces on the links, specifically link AE.
  • There are mentions of resolving components of forces and using moment equations to find the link force CD and subsequently the lift capacity.
  • One participant expresses confusion and requests assistance in resolving the problem.
  • Another participant indicates they have updated their calculations and provided equations, though the specifics of these updates are not detailed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to have a consensus, as participants are still seeking help and clarification on the calculations and methodology. Multiple viewpoints on the approach to solving the problem are present, and uncertainty remains regarding the accuracy of the lift capacity calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical steps involved in their calculations, and there may be dependencies on specific definitions or assumptions related to the mechanical setup.

MayZ91
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Hello all,

Yet another problem on engineering mechanics. This time I have a spring loaded; counterpoised arm:
Something like this- http://www.akwmedical.com/files/imagecache/cart/SK2323_1.jpg
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTUCvnSKhKEbs4uNiOLg2TGU3p0quUrSp8Uh4QXqt5m4eIEf6_ISA
What it consists of is a compression spring which compresses on articulation to keep the arm in place. Just like the old table lamps.
The set up goes like this:

upload_2015-1-16_11-2-47.png


AB is a link which is connected to BD(spindle). The spindle BD is held concentric with the arm EF, which is a circular tube. The spindle BD has a sliding contact with arm EF. Similarly; link CD is connected to the same spindle at D. There is another sliding contact between the spindle BD and arm EF at D. The pin joints C and F are on a plate which carries a load W. Due to the sliding joints, when the arm EF rotates about E, the weight W is always perpendicular to the ground(these links behave like a parallelogram). To counterbalance the system, a spring is introduced between a stopper and joint D. The stopper is connected to the arm EF and welded. This spring is concentric with the spindle BD.

BELOW images(with spring) can be assumed for understanding the articulations only, it does not depict the actual scenario.
upload_2015-1-16_14-28-21.png


upload_2015-1-16_14-29-34.png


The problem is to identify the lift capacity for the system. The load is attached to point F (in the first figure) (all references are for figure 1)
The spring has the following parameters: Spring rate: 32 N/mm deflection: 58mm (for rotation of 40 deg above n below horizontal) Spring length: 450mm Spring set length: 363mm(set for 40deg above horizontal) 2790N for the spring set length and 4670N generated for 58mm deflection.
Not to worry about the wire dia and OD of the spring just yet.


Attached is the excel sheet with attempt to solution.
I am getting 800+N as the lift capacity. However, its not as high 350N. Need to know where I am going wrong.

Kindly help.
Thank you.
 
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I'm not seeing the spreadsheet...
 
Extremely sorry for missing the spreadsheet.

What I have done is, i have built the geometric relations between the angles made and spring deflection. And hence calculated the force on the link AE. Resolved for its components and using moment equation about the stopper, have found the link force CD. By calculating the moment arm distance, have found the lift capacity.
 

Attachments

Hello all,

I am stuck in this problem, kindly help me resolve.

Thank you.
 
I have updated my calculations, also have put the equations: (sorry for a change in notations)

upload_2015-1-23_18-19-4.png
 

Attachments

Please help!
 

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