Working principle
The core of the handle-type zero-gravity electric hoist lies in its intelligent electric servo control system, which is significantly different from traditional electric hoists or pneumatic assisted manipulators:
Electric servo system drive:
It does not rely on air source, but is powered by high-precision servo motors. The servo motor can accurately control the movement speed, position and torque of the lifting arm.
Force sensors (or torque sensors) are the key. These sensors are integrated into the operating handle or lifting arm and can sense the tiny force or intention applied by the operator in real time.
“Zero gravity” balance principle:
When the operator touches the handle and tries to move the load, the force sensor immediately feeds back the operator’s intention (such as up, down, forward, backward) and the applied force to the controller.
Based on these signals and the real-time weight information of the load, the controller accurately drives the servo motor to generate a real-time, dynamic compensation force. This compensation force completely offsets the weight of the load, so that the operator cannot feel the weight of the load, as if the object is in a “zero gravity” state.
Adaptability: This system can automatically identify the weight of the load. Even if the load weight changes (within the rated range), the system can instantly adjust the compensation force without manual setting or adjustment.
Handle control and intuitive operation:
Ergonomic handle: The operating handle is ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold. The operator can guide the load to move freely in three-dimensional space with minimal force.
Multi-function integration: The handle is usually integrated with multiple function buttons, such as:
Lift/lower fine adjustment: to achieve millimeter-level precise positioning.
Gripper opening and closing: control the end effector (gripper).
Mode switching: such as “floating mode” (zero gravity free movement), “positioning mode” (precise locking position), etc.
Emergency stop button: to ensure safety in emergency situations.
End effector (gripper/gripper):
Configure customized grippers such as mechanical grippers, vacuum cups, electromagnetic cups or special tool connectors according to specific applications and product characteristics.
Safety mechanism:
Power-off self-locking/brake: Even if the power is accidentally cut off, the electric hoist can safely keep the load in place through motor braking or mechanical brakes to prevent falling.
Overload protection: When the rated load is exceeded, the system will alarm and stop working.
Anti-collision/anti-swing: Some advanced systems also have anti-swing and intelligent path guidance functions to further improve operational safety.
Advantages
The handle-type zero-gravity electric hoist has significant advantages over traditional lifting equipment and pneumatic assisted manipulators:
Ultimate ergonomics and safety:
True “zero gravity” experience: Electric servo control is smoother and more precise than pneumatic, providing a more perfect “weightlessness” feeling with almost no effort on the operator.
Eliminate fatigue and occupational diseases: Completely free workers from heavy, repetitive, boring and occupational disease-prone handling work, greatly reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).
High safety: Advanced control algorithms and built-in safety features (such as power-off self-locking and overload protection) ensure that the load is safe and stable under any circumstances.
High precision and flexibility:
Precise positioning: The servo motor can achieve millimeter-level precision positioning, especially suitable for assembly, machine loading and unloading tasks that require precise alignment.
Infinitely variable speed: The speed control is smooth and precise, and it can be flexibly controlled from slow micro-movement to fast movement.
Adaptive load: Automatically identify and balance loads of different weights without manual adjustment, which improves the convenience and efficiency of operation.
Efficiency and productivity improvement:
Speed up the operation rhythm: Operators can carry and position heavy objects faster and easier, shorten the production cycle, and improve the production rhythm.
Single-person operation: The heavy object handling task that originally required the collaboration of multiple people can now be easily completed by one person, saving labor costs.
Data traceability: Some advanced systems can be integrated with MES/ERP systems to achieve data collection and analysis and optimize production processes.
Energy saving and environmental protection:
Low energy consumption: Servo systems are generally more energy-efficient than pneumatic systems, especially in standby or light load states.
No pollution: No air compressor is required, no noise pollution and oil mist pollution are generated, and it is more suitable for use in clean workshops or places with strict environmental requirements.
Low maintenance cost:
Electric systems have fewer maintenance points, lower failure rates and longer service life than pneumatic systems.
Application scenarios
Handle-type zero-gravity electric hoists are widely used in various industrial scenarios with extremely high requirements for precision, efficiency, safety and ergonomics:
Automobile manufacturing: Assembly and handling of heavy parts such as engines, gearboxes, doors, seats, etc.
Heavy machinery manufacturing: Machine loading and unloading, welding assistance and assembly of large castings, forgings and structural parts.
Mold manufacturing and replacement: Accurate handling and replacement of heavy stamping dies and injection molds.
Aerospace: Precision assembly and positioning of aircraft parts.
Home appliance manufacturing: Handling and assembly of large parts such as refrigerator doors and washing machine drums.
Logistics and warehousing: Assistance in high-precision material picking, packaging and palletizing.
Tool assistance: Assisting operators to use heavy hand tools (such as tightening guns, grinders, welding guns) for a long time, eliminating the weight of the tools.
Precision machining and inspection: Processes that require fine-tuning and precise placement of large workpieces.