Gravity balancing of a hoist by means of a four-bar linkage and spring

Abstract

A gravity balanced system composed of a four-bar linkage and spring is used to counterbalance the hoist for lifting loads. The objective of the paper is to introduce a synthesis method to design such a system. The problem has been solved using the evolutionary algorithm. The magnitude of the residual engine torque is the objective function. The approach allows analyzing the forces exerted in the system links. The preliminary studies of the influence of the friction forces on the system is also presented.