Lifting mechanism using negative stiffness

US10081403B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Avshalom Suissa · Renningen, DE
• Mario Jodorkovsky · Nesher, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 1, 2016
• Grant date: Sep 25, 2018
• Expiry date: Apr 22, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66F7/0616
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A lifting mechanism includes a load bearing structure, and a carrier. The carrier is configured for supporting a load. The carrier is moveable relative to the load bearing structure in a substantially vertical direction relative to a ground surface, along a vertical axis. A load carrying spring applies a spring force that biases the carrier relative to the load bearing structure in a direction along the vertical axis. A negative stiffness device interconnects the carrier and the load bearing structure. The negative stiffness device applies a device force that biases the carrier relative to the load bearing structure in a direction along the vertical axis. The device force opposes the spring force. The device force includes a magnitude that is substantially equal to the spring force in any of a plurality of different positions of the carrier relative to the load bearing structure along the vertical axis.