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| WHAT KIND OF LIFT ASSIST SYSTEM DO I NEED? |
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It is very important to choose a lift assist system that is best suited for
your application. A detailed analysis of your material handling needs is
the first step in choosing the correct list assist system.
PRIMARY CONSIDERATIONS  Weight of the material to be handled
Weight of the end tooling
Lifting capacity of the material handling system
Radius (reach) of the arm
Required work envelope
Desired mounting option
Parallel linkage
Reach-in ratings
Side load considerations
SECONDARY CONSIDERATIONS What material will be handled with the lift assist system?
For example: Will it be used to move
expensive or fragile parts? Will it be used to unload steel bars or plate from trucks? How can the lift assist system increase the safety of the loads to be lifted?
How can the lift assist system improve workers' safety when handling heavy loads?
How often do you intend on using the lift assist system?
How will the material need to be moved and to what location?
Will the lift assist system need to be moved to other locations in the factory?
What kind of hook movement(s) will I need? Example: up/down, left/right, forward/backward
How much money should be invested in a lift assist system?
BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS Budget is an important consideration when considering purchasing a lift assist system. However, choosing a less expensive lift assist system instead of the lift assist system that is best suited for your application is a critical mistake. Choosing an incorrect lift assist system is risky, will reduce the effectiveness of the lift assist system and will waste your time and money. TYPES OF LIFT ASSIST SYSTEMS Manipulator Systems
Articulated Jib Crane Systems
Articulated Lifting Arm Systems
Torque Arm Systems
Machine Loading Systems
Parts Transfer Systems
LIFTING CAPACITY Each AIMCO lift assist system has a specific lifting capacity. The WEIGHT OF THE MATERIAL to be handled must be accurately determined. The lift assist system should have a capacity greater than the heaviest material to be handled. A lift assist system is rated for lifting capacity at the end of the arm with consideration of the END TOOLING. Since most applications require custom end tooling, the tooling weight is often unknown until it is designed. Therefore, an estimated weight of the tooling plus the weight of the material must be combined when selecting the appropriate model. A lift assist system's lifting capacity decreases as the length of the arm (reach) increases. The model selection process should include consideration of the reach and total lifting capacity. Determining Lifting capacity: To determine the total load for the lift assist system, add the weight of the item to be handled to the weight of the end tooling (lifting apparatus). Use the resulting sum to select the required capacity of the lift assist system. Load + Tooling Weight = Total Load MOUNTING OPTIONS  Pedestal Mounting
The lift assist system is bolted to the floor in a fixed location. Cart Mounting
The lift assist system is pedestal mounted to a cart providing the unit with mobility. The cart can operate in a track affixed to the floor or the cart can be castered. Ceiling Mounting
The lift assist system is bolted to an overhead support structure at a fixed location. This mounting option eliminates floor obstructions. Trolley Mounting
The lift assist system is bolted to a double girder trolley and is able to move along a runway. Trolley mounts increase the available work envelope. PARALLEL LINKAGE Parallel Linkage is a design feature incorporated in the manufacture of a lift assist system when certain operating criteria exist. Parallel Linkage is utilized to: Assure that the end tool mounting plate remains in a horizontal plane, parallel to
the floor, throughout the operation of the lift assist system Provide a rigid base for mounting of the end tooling
Allow for the use of a greater variety of end tooling
Enable the user to reach into hard to reach areas
Handle overhung loads (See Reach In Ratings)
Provide the operator with a safe and positive method
of lifting, tilting and rotating loads.
provide precise control with smooth, flowing action
WORK ENVELOPE A lift assist system's horizontal and vertical operating range is called the work envelope. The work envelope of the lift assist system must match the parameters of the operation to be performed. Click Here to determine the required work envelope. Identifying the Work Envelope: 1) Using spacers to lower ceiling and trolley mounted units. 2) Modify the pedestal height to raise or lower floor units. Work Envelope Mounting Option: Once the manipulator model has been selected based upon lifting capacity and radius of reach, the WORK ENVELOPE (Figure A) must be identified and the mounting option chosen. Note: Refer to Side Load Calculations when horizontal rotation (slewing) of the end tooling is required. The work envelope can be extended (Figure B), eliminating the center diameter, through the use of an overhead trolley. When selecting ceiling or trolley mounted units, always check the manipulator arm in the maximum raised position to verify that the arm will clear all overhead obstructions.
REACH-IN RATINGS Reach-In exists when the user handles a load with the end tool positioned farther than the effective reach of the lift assist system. the reach-in dimension is measured from the center of the vertical arm to the center of gravity of the load. The reach-in dimension must be added to the radius of the base unit. Selecting the Required Reach: Match the required radius of reach with the lifting capacity as previously determined. Note that as the reach requirements increase, the lifting capacity decreases. SIDE LOADING Side loading occurs when an operation requires the end tool and load to be rotated horizontally. The effect of side loading decreases the rated capacity of the lift assist system. A lift assist system's capacity continues to decrease as the angle of horizontal rotation increases. It is important to consider the effects of side loading during the lift assist system selection process. Side Loading Calculations: The formula presented below is used to determine the maximum allowable angle of rotation for a given load and reach. Once the angle of rotation is identified, the proper lift assist system may be selected for the application.
B. Calculate the Overturning Moment (OTM): Using the lift assist system you have selected, calculate the overturning moment using the following formula. This calculation is required only in cases where the reach-in value is not shown in the charts. OTM = 1/12 [(A + Z + LP)WP + (A + Z + LG)WG] Assure the value calculated (OTM) is equal to or less than =< the Overturning Moments of Aimco lift assist systems as shown on the following chart:
C. Calculate Maximum Combined Reach-In Moment (MR) MR = 1/12 [(WP X LP) + (WG X LG)] D. Select Angle of Rotation (AR) from MR Table below. Assure that the angle of rotation required for the application is equal to or less than =< the allowable limits as listed in the MR Table. ** Note: If application requirements exceed the table values, consult the factory for assistance
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