Help Needed - a vertical lift for a linear rail

[npoling]

We have a 10' long linear rail (~100lbs) which will have a 250lb load translating from one end to the other. The lifting device needs to cover a range of 1'6" to 3'6" and remain stable with the load at either end of the rail. Our first choice for operation would be manual (a crank, etc.), second choice would be electric and third would be hydraulic or pneumatic. The weight of the lift needs to be less than 200lbs if it is a single unit or if it is multiple pieces the total weight must be less than 400lbs with no individual piece exceeding 200lbs. If anyone has any ideas or experience on this subject please help. Thank you!

 

[MikeHalloran]

http://www.duffnorton.com

or something similar

(no affiliation)



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Barry1961]

Can the structure extend above the rail? Maybe a forklift type mast?

Barry1961

 

[npoling]

The total height must be less than 5' and the entire unit must be able to be rolled around, but this can be a custom job added to the system.

 

[sreid]

Search for "puller hoists" at McMaster-Carr. Also for a pully at the top

http://www.mcmaster.com

 

[MintJulep]

Does the lifting mechanisim also have to resist the horizontal forces associated with the acceleration and decelleration of the translating mass?

Are the any side forces?

What is the stiffness of the rail? Will it support the load with an acceptable deflection if it is simply supported at the ends? Cantilevered? Supported at the middle?

You can't solve a problem unless you understand it.

 

[npoling]

The lifting mechanism must resist the horizontal forces and have very little deflection when the load is at either end. the rail is very strong and has very very little deflection when supported from the center. There are no side forces.

 

[DesignerMike]

I have done some similar, and we used the cylinders that Mike H suggests. This looks like their new line.

http://www.duffnorton.com/products/supercyl.aspx

You can add an encoder or change the motor to gain positioning accuracy. Basically it's just a acme screw and gearbox. (which you could design yourself if you want, but why?)

 

[IRstuff]

Can you use a garage door opener?
The Chamberlain model sold at Costco has close to a 10-ft track.

TTFN

 

[Barry1961]

Rollon makes linear guide rails that are rigid but extremely forgiving of misalignment. They do this by running deep groove ball bearings in a variety of “C” and “U” tracks. These can run very fast and the cost is usually much less than square or round rail linear systems. The accuracy is probably around .020” (0.5mm) which is less than square or round rail.
Some people like these on fabricated structures because they don’t have to machine the mounting surfaces.

http://www.rollon.com/english/products/compact.htm

Barry1961

 

[griffengm]

Npoling,
Your project sounds much like one I did. Weights, heights and travel very much similar. Our application was in an assembly line where a portion of the roller track needed to raise and lower.
We used a small self-contained hydraulic lift table which we anchored to the floor to control tipping from the extended track. We built it to lock the rollers when lifted and release when lowered so units could be moved down the line. The table with power unit weighed about 150 pounds and with the roller track installed maybe 350. Some of the weight was due to the roller lock system which added maybe 50 lbs.
Not real fast but cost less than $2500. There were some other features you may or may not need but this should give the general idea.

Griffy

 

[ccw]

[bold]npoling[/bold]

I cannot tell if you are describing a chain fall operated Budget(r) hoist on a monorail or something more elaborate. Can you be more specific?