Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of lifting assemblies, and more particularly to a lifting assembly to lift diverse loads such as automobiles.
BACKGROUND
[002] A lifting assembly, also referred to as lifting jack is utilized for lifting a load for various purposes. Examples of such lifting assembly may include, but not limited to, a hydraulic jack, or an operational jack. Conventionally, hydraulic jacks are most sought lifting devices for lifting an automobile up to a sufficient height from ground level to replace a wheel, or to perform a maintenance activity underneath the vehicle, and the like. The lifting assembly may include a piston (or ram), a hydraulic circuit and an actuator. To facilitate the lifting of the vehicle, the lifting assembly may be placed under a chassis of the automobile. After placement, a lever arm may be connected to the actuator. Further, the lever arm may be oscillated iteratively to actuate the actuator. The actuator, when actuated may actuate the hydraulic circuit to raise the ram to contact the chassis, and by providing further lifting action the lifting assembly may support and lift the chassis, thereby lifting the automobile.
[003] However, the aforementioned operation of the lever arm may include a few drawbacks. One of such drawbacks may include vigorous manual operation of the the lever arm in multiple cycles until the piston makes contact with the chassis of the automobile. From an initial position to the position until the piston makes contact with the chassis, such condition may be referred to as a no-load condition. Such operation of the lever arm may lead to an extra requirement of effort with increased time, which can be physically demanding. Moreover, with each oscillation of the lifting arm, the travel of the lifting ram is low. Therefore, the operator may have to increase the effort to increase the number of oscillations of the lever arm to achieve the desired travel of the lifting ram. This can lead to fatigue or strain on the muscles of the operator.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for an efficient lifting assembly that necessitates a decreased level of manual effort to produce lifting motion for loads across diverse scenarios, all within a shorter lifting duration.
SUMMARY
[005] The present disclosure pertains to a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly may include a housing that may slidingly accommodate a lifting piston. The lifting piston may include a proximal end, and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end. Further, a biasing assembly may be disposed between the proximal end and a base of the housing of the lifting pistonto operatively couple the lifting piston to the base. Further, the distal end of the lifting piston may be operatively coupled with a locking mechanism that may operate between a locked condition, and a released condition. In an embodiment, the locked condition may include the locking mechanism to be engaged to lock the lifting piston at a first position, against a compression force of the biasing assembly. Further, the released condition may include the locking mechanism to be disengaged to release the compression force of the biasing assembly. Releasing the compression force may move the lifting piston to a second position from the first position. In an embodiment, the second position may be separated from the first position by a predefined distance.
[006] In an embodiment, a lifting method of operating a lifting assembly is disclosed. The lifting method may include engaging a locking mechanism in a locked condition for positioning a lifting piston at a first position against a compression force of a biasing assembly in a housing. In an embodiment, the housing may slidingly accommodate the lifting piston which may include a proximal end, and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end. In an embodiment, the biasing assembly may be disposed between the proximal end of the lifting piston and a base of the housing. Further, the biasing assembly may operatively couple the lifting piston to the base. Further, the method may include disengaging the locking mechanism in a released condition to release the compression force of the biasing assembly. Under the compression force, the lifting piston may move to a second position from the first position. In an embodiment, the first position may be separated from the second position by a predefined distance.
[007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[009] FIG. 1A illustrates a first perspective view of a lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[010] FIG. 1B illustrates a second perspective view of a lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a locking mechanism in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of a locking mechanism in a released condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[015] FIG. 5A-5C illustrates sectional views of a single-piston type lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 6A-6C illustrates sectional views of a double-piston type lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[017] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[018] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a lifting assembly from the first position to a third position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[019] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a lifting assembly from the third position to the first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[020] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[021] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[022] References will now be made to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1-9.
[023] As illustrated earlier, to raise the lifting piston under no load condition, the lever arm may be manually operated, or oscillated until the lifting piston contacts the load, or the chassis of the automobile. Such operation of the lever arm may lead to an extra requirement of effort with increased time, which can be physically demanding. Moreover, with each oscillation of the lifting arm, the travel of the lifting ram is low. Therefore, the operator may have to increase the effort to increase the number of oscillations which can lead to fatigue or strain on the muscles of the operator.
[024] To this end, a lifting assembly, and a method of operating thereof are disclosed. Now referring to FIGs. 1A-1B illustrating a first perspective view 100A and a second perspective view 100B respectively, of the lifting assembly 101 as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lifting assembly 101 may include a housing 102 supported on a base 108, and a lifting piston 104 slidingly accommodated in the housing 102. Further, the lifting piston 104 may be operated between a first position and a second position, which is explained later in successive embodiments of the disclosure.
[025] In an embodiment, with continuous reference to FIG. 1A, the first perspective view 100A illustrates the lifting piston 104 in the first position. In the first position, the lifting piston 104 may be separated from the load, particularly from the chassis by a predefined distance. Further, the lifting piston 104 may be constrained against a biasing load by way of a locking mechanism (not shown in the figure). Further, the locking mechanism may be coupled to the lifting piston 104 and may be configured to lock the lifting piston 104 in the first position when engaged. This operating condition of the locking mechanism may be referred to as a locked condition. In an embodiment, the locking of the lifting piston 104 at the first position in the locked condition may indicate an inoperable condition of the lifting assembly 101. i.e., the lifting assembly may not be operated in the locked condition.
[026] In an embodiment, with continuous reference to FIG. 1B, the second perspective view 100B illustrates the lifting piston 104 in the second position. As seen in the figure, the lifting piston 104 may appear extended from the housing 102. The final position after which the lifting piston may stop extending without using any external lifting force, may be referred to as the second position. As may be appreciated, the second position may be separated from the first position by a predefined distance. In an embodiment, the lifting piston 104 may transition from the first position to the second position when the locking mechanism may be disengaged. Disengaging of the locking mechanism may release the biasing load, and therefore, as a reaction to the release of the biasing load the lifting piston 104 may transition from the first position to the second position. The disengaging operation of the locking mechanism may be referred to as the released condition. In an embodiment, at the second position, the lifting piston 104 may be raised to a sufficient height such that contact with the load, for example, the automobile chassis, may be established. In an embodiment, the released condition may indicate an operative condition of the lifting assembly 101. i.e., the lifting assembly 101 may be operated in the released condition.
[027] In an embodiment, the lifting assembly 101 may also include a relief valve (illustrated as relief valve 220 in FIG. 2). The relief valve may be a one-way valve configured to restrict flow of hydraulic fluid within the lifting assembly 101 in a single direction, i.e., prevent reverse-flow of the hydraulic fluid. In an embodiment, the relief valve may be actuated to prevent reverse-flow of the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic fluid such that the lifting piston 104 may be sustained at the second position.
[028] After the contact may be established, the operator may further extend the lifting piston 104 to lift the automobile to permissible ranges of height, by way of actuating a pump 114. The pump 114 may include a pump piston 112, which may be connected to a arm socket 106. The arm socket 106 may be configured to accommodate a lever arm (not shown in the figure). Further, the operator may manually oscillate the lever arm to actuate the arm socket 106, thereby actuating the pump piston 112. Actuation of the pump piston 112 may enable the hydraulic fluid to flow within the housing to impart a lifting pressure on the lifting piston 104, by virtue of Pascal’s Law of fluid pressure. Due to the lifting pressure, the lifting piston 104 may be raised to lift the automobile accordingly, to a third position.
[029] In an embodiment, the biasing load may be provided by a biasing assembly (not shown in the figure). The biasing assembly may include, but is not limited to, a spring such as a helical coil spring, a leaf spring, and the like. The biasing assembly may be internally disposed between the lifting piston 104 and the housing 102, the assembly of which is illustrated in detail in the latter part of this disclosure.
[030] Now, referring to FIG. 2 illustrating an exploded view 200 of the lifting assembly, and FIG. 3 illustrating a sectional view 300 of the lifting assembly as an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, and as explained earlier, the lifting piston 104 may be slidingly accommodated in the housing 102. Further, the lifting piston 104 may include a proximal end 104a, and a distal end 104b oppositely disposed to the proximal end 104a. Further, the proximal end 104a may be further connected to the biasing assembly 208, and the distal end 104b may be connected to the locking assembly. In an embodiment, the distal end 104b may include a saddle 110 which may be configured to prevent slipping of the lifting piston 104 against the surface of the load. Additionally, the saddle 110 may also prevent abrasion at the surface of the load to be lifted by the lifting piston 104.
[031] In an embodiment, the biasing assembly 208 may further include a first end 218a and a second end 218b, oppositely disposed to the first end 218a. The first end 218a may be disposed within a biasing groove 216 carved at the base 108 of the housing 102, and the proximal end 104a of the lifting piston 104. In an embodiment, the proximal end 104a of the lifting piston 104 may include a biasing cap 209. The biasing cap 209 may be inserted in a groove formed by drilling the proximal end 104a through a central axis of the lifting piston 104. Further, the biasing cap 209 may be configured to accommodate the second end 218b of the biasing assembly 208 within the lifting piston 104, such that the biasing assembly 208 may be disposed between the lifting piston 104 and the base 108 of the housing 102.
[032] In an embodiment, the distal end 104b of the lifting piston 104 may be operatively coupled to the locking mechanism 310. The locking mechanism 310 may include a latch-type lock, such as but not limited to, a spring-loaded latch, a bolt latch, and the like. The locking mechanism 310 may be configured to restrict movement of the lifting piston 104 when engaged. Particularly, the locking mechanism 310 may be configured to lock the lifting piston 104. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 310 may be configured to operate in two conditions, which may include, as explained earlier, the locked condition and the released condition.
[033] In an embodiment, the housing 102 may include a hollow piston 204 configured to accommodate the lifting piston 104, in a telescopic manner. Such assembly of the hollow piston 204 and the lifting piston 104 may be constituted for a double-piston type lifting assembly, such as a double-piston hydraulic jack. Alternatively, only the lifting piston 104 may be utilized for a single-piston type lifting assembly.
[034] In an embodiment, the housing 102 may further include a hydraulic chamber 202 configured to encapsulate the hollow piston 204 and the lifting piston 104 as well as receive hydraulic fluid from a fluid reservoir (not shown in the figure) using a hydraulic circuit. As seen in the figure, the hydraulic chamber 202 may further include a pair of screw threads 214a and 214b. In an embodiment, the screw threads 214a may be configured to engage a hollow cap 226 through the housing 102, such that the hollow cap 226 may be tightened so as seal the hydraulic chamber. In an embodiment, the screw threads 214b may be configured to engage to the base 108 of the housing. In an embodiment, the base 108 may include internal screw threads which may engage the screw threads 214b so that the hydraulic chamber 202 may be affixed to the base 108.
[035] In an embodiment, the lifting assembly 101 may include a sealing assembly to prevent any leak of hydraulic fluid internally within the components, or externally through the housing 102. The sealing assembly may include seals 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d, along with a gasket 210. In an embodiment, especially for a double-piston type lifting assembly, to seal the hollow piston 204 from the lifting piston 104, a combination of the gasket 210 and the seal 212a may be positioned in the hollow piston 204. In an embodiment, to seal the hydraulic chamber 202 from the housing 102, seal 212c may be positioned between the screw threads 214b and the biasing groove 216. In another embodiment, to seal the hydraulic chamber 202 and the housing 102 to prevent any additional leak, seals 212a and 212b may be utilized during fabrication of the lifting assembly 101. Additionally, to prevent a leak of the hydraulic fluid, the seal 212d may be positioned between the base 108 and the housing 102.
[036] In an embodiment the hydraulic fluid may be transmitted to the hydraulic chamber 202 from the hydraulic reservoir, using the hydraulic circuit. In an embodiment, referring to FIG.3, hydraulic reservoir 308 may be formed in a region between the housing 102 and the hydraulic chamber 202. The hydraulic fluid may be stored in the hydraulic reservoir 308, and may include, but is not limited to ISO 150 and 8W32 Hydraulic jack oil.
[037] In an embodiment, the hydraulic circuit may be formed by fluidically connecting the hydraulic reservoir 308 to the hydraulic chamber 202 using a plurality of hydraulic channels 302, 320, and 322. In an embodiment, the plurality of hydraulic channels 302, and 320 may be connected to the pump 114. In an embodiment, the hydraulic channel 302 may be configured to connect the hydraulic reservoir 308 to the pump 114, and the hydraulic channel 320 may be configured to connect the pump 114 to the hydraulic chamber 202.
[038] In an embodiment, again referring to FIGs. 2-3, and as explained earlier, the pump 114 may include the arm socket 106, which may be configured to accommodate the lever arm 326. The arm socket 106 may be operatively coupled to the pump piston 206 and hinged to the base 108 using a hinge pivot 222. Further, the pump piston 206 may be operatively coupled to the piston cylinder 228. The pump piston 206 may reciprocate within the piston cylinder 228 as the lever arm 326 is operated. The lever arm 326 may be manually operated either through oscillation or reciprocation, such that with each operation a predefined quantity of the hydraulic fluid may be drawn from the hydraulic reservoir 308 through the channel 302. Further, the pump 114 may supply the drawn the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic chamber 202 of the housing 102.
[039] In an embodiment, the lifting assembly 101 may include the relief valve 220 fluidically connected to the hydraulic channel 322. As explained earlier, the relief valve 220 may be a one-way valve configured to allow passage of fluid in a single direction. In an embodiment, to prevent reverse-flow of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic reservoir 308 to the hydraulic chamber 202, the relief valve 220 may be closed. Further, to allow passage of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308, especially when the lifting piston 104 may be lowered, the relief valve 220 may be opened. In an embodiment, the relief valve 220 may be positioned, and accessible at the base 108 of the lifting assembly 101.
[040] In an embodiment, the base 108 may include a plurality of fluid grooves 224a, and 224b. In an embodiment, the fluid groove 224a may be formed in conjunction with the hydraulic channel 320, and the fluid groove 224b may be formed in conjunction with the hydraulic channel 322. In an embodiment, the fluid groove 224a may allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic reservoir 308 through the hydraulic channels 320 and 322 to the hydraulic chamber 202. Such passage may be allowed during the released condition of the locking mechanism 310, when the lifting piston 104 progressively moves from the first position to the second position. Further, the fluid groove 224b may allow passage of fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308 through the hydraulic channel 322. This passage of fluid may be allowed when the lifting piston 104 may be moved from the second position to the first position, and the locking mechanism 310 may be reverted back to the locked condition.
[041] As explained earlier, the locking mechanism 310 may operate between the locked condition and the released condition. Now, referring to FIG. 4A illustrating a top view 400A of a locking mechanism 310 in the locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 310 may include the curved latch 402. Further, the curved latch 402 may be coupled to an elastic member 404. In an embodiment, the elastic member 404 may include, but is not limited to a tension spring, and the like. In an embodiment, the curved latch 402 may be rotatably hinged at a first end 408, and the elastic member 404 may be coupled at a second end 410. Further, the curved latch 402 may include a slot that may be restricted against a pin 406, to limit the movement of the pin 406 against the tension force of the elastic member constrains the rotation of the curved latch 402. Further, the elastic member 404 may be subject to a tension force to the curved latch 402 against the distal end 104b of the lifting piston 104 (refer to FIGs. 1-2), thereby locking the lifting piston 104 in the locked condition.
[042] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 310 may also include a stopper 412. The stopper 412 may be formed on the curved latch 402. In an embodiment, the stopper 412 may include a switch, such as but not limited to a push button which may be engaged in the released condition. The stopper 412, when engaged, may deploy a stopper pin (not show in figure) to restrict the curved latch 402 against the hollow cap 226 so as to prevent contact of the curved latch 402 with the distal end 104b of the lifting piston 104 with addition to maintaining the released condition of the locking mechanism 310. In an embodiment, during the locked condition, the stopper 412 may be disengaged so as to maintain contact of the curved latch 402 with the distal end 104b of the lifting piston 104.
[043] Now refer to FIG. 4B illustrating a top view 400B of a locking mechanism 310 in a released condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, in the released condition, the curved latch 402 may be pulled, or disengaged against the lifting piston 104. Further, the curved latch 402 may be pulled against the tensioning force of the elastic member 404 such that the curved latch may rotate about the first end 408. This may result in disengagement of the locking mechanism 310 as the pin may lose contact with the slot. Further, the stopper 412 may be engaged such that the stopper pin may protrude therefrom, which may further engage the hollow cap 226. The disengagement of the locking mechanism 310 may lead to a rise of the lifting piston 104 to the second position under the released compression force of the biasing assembly 208.
[044] In an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 5A illustrating a sectional view 500A of the lifting assembly 101 when the lifting piston 104 is at a first position, FIG. 5B illustrating a sectional view 500B of the lifting assembly 101 when the lifting piston 104 is at a second position and FIG. 5C, illustrating a sectional view 500C of the lifting assembly 101 when the lifting piston is beyond the second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It must be noted that the sectional views 500A, 500B, and 500C correspond to a single-piston type lifting assembly 101.
[045] In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 6A illustrating a sectional view 600A of the lifting assembly 101 when the lifting piston 104 is at a first position, FIG. 6B illustrating a sectional view 600B of the lifting assembly 101 when the lifting piston 104 is at a second position and FIG. 6C, illustrating a sectional view 600C of the lifting assembly 101 when the lifting piston is beyond the second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It must be noted that the sectional views 600A, 600B, and 600C correspond to the double-piston type lifting assembly 101.
[046] In an embodiment, with continuous reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A, when the locking mechanism 310 may be operated in the locked condition, the locking mechanism 310 may be engaged to lock or confine the lifting piston 104 at the first position 502. The first position 502 herein may include an initial position of the lifting assembly 101. As may be seen, in the first position, the lifting piston 104 may be completely confined in the housing. Therefore, in this position, the biasing assembly 208 may be compressed accordingly, and the lifting piston 104 may be locked by the locking mechanism 310 against a compression force of the biasing assembly 208.
[047] In an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B, when the locking mechanism 310 may be operated in the released condition, the locking mechanism 310 may be disengaged to unlock and release the lifting piston 104 from the first position 502 to a second position 504. When unlocked, the compression force of the biasing assembly 208 may be released, which may maneuver the lifting piston 104 from the first position 502 to the second position 504 by a predefined distance D1. At the second position, the lifting piston 104 may contact the load 304 accordingly. A person skilled in the art may appreciate the movement of the lifting piston 104 in the no-load condition, and until contact with the load 304 may be established, disengagement of the locking mechanism may save human effort, and time in operating the lever arm 326.
[048] In an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 5C, the hydraulic chamber 202 may be fluidically sealed from the hydraulic reservoir 308. In an embodiment, the movement of the lifting piston 104 to the second position 504 may lead to the creation of a vacuum in the hydraulic chamber 202, beneath the lifting piston 104 (refer to FIGs. 2-3). The vacuum created in the hydraulic chamber 202 may create a suction for a volume of hydraulic fluid equivalent to cylindrical volume between the base 108 and the proximal end 104a of the lifting piston 104. At that instant, no passage of hydraulic fluid may be allowed to the hydraulic chamber 202 from the hydraulic reservoir 308. After the lifting piston 104 reaches the second position, in addition to the vacuum created in the hydraulic chamber 202, the volume of the hydraulic fluid equivalent to the cylindrical volume may be transmitted from the hydraulic reservoir 308 to the hydraulic chamber 202. The hydraulic fluid, after entering the hydraulic chamber 202 may support, and sustain the lifting piston 104 at the second position 504. After the lifting piston 104 may reach the second position 504, the relief valve 220 may be closed so as to prevent reverse flow of the hydraulic fluid.
[049] Further, to lift the lifting piston 104 beyond the second position 504 to a third position 506, i.e., for example, by a predefined distance D2 which may be greater than D1, a greater amount of hydraulic fluid may be pumped into the hydraulic chamber 202 from the hydraulic reservoir 308 to the hydraulic chamber 202 through the hydraulic channel 320. The greater amount of hydraulic fluid may be supplied by operating the pump 114, which may be actuated by actuating the lever arm 326. Now, referring to FIG. 6C, for double-piston type lifting assembly 101, it may be seen that the hollow piston 204 may move along with the lifting piston 104, when a greater amount of hydraulic fluid may be pumped into the hydraulic chamber 202. Therefore, movement of the hollow piston 204 along with the lifting piston 104 may provide an increased lifting height for the load 304, as compared to the lifting height provided by the single-piston type lifting assembly 101.
[050] To lower the lifting assembly 101 from the third position 506 to the first position 502, the relief valve 220 may be actuated, or opened accordingly. Therefore, opening of the relief valve 220 may allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308, thereby lowering the lifting piston 104 from the third position 506 to the second position 504. In an embodiment, to further lower the lifting piston 104 to the first position 502, the pump 114 may be actuated to supply the excessive hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308. Particularly, the pump 114 may be reverse-operated to transmit the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308. As a result, the lifting piston 104 may be lowered to the first position 502. Further, a manual force may be applied on the lifting piston 104 to maintain the lifting piston 104 at the first position to easily engage the locking mechanism 310.
[051] Now refer to FIG. 7 illustrating a flowchart 700 of a method for operating a lifting assembly 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 702, a locking mechanism 310 may be engaged in a locked condition for positioning a lifting piston 104 at a first position against a compression force of a biasing assembly 208 in a housing 102. In an embodiment, the lifting piston 104 may be slidingly accommodated in the housing 102, where the lifting piston 104 may include a proximal end 104a, and a distal end 104b such that the distal end 104b may be disposed opposite to the proximal end 104a. Furthermore, the biasing assembly 208 may be disposed between the proximal end 104a of the lifting piston 104, and a base 108 of the housing. Further, at step 704, the locking mechanism 310 may be disengaged into a released condition, which may release the compression force of the biasing assembly 208 for moving the lifting piston 104 from the first position up to a second position along a predefined distance. This is already explained in detail with conjunction to FIGs. 1-6C.
[052] In an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 8, illustrating a flowchart 800 of a method for operating a lifting assembly 101 beyond the second position to the third position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 802, a locking mechanism 310 may be engaged in a locked condition for positioning a lifting piston 104 at the first position against a compression force of a biasing assembly 208 in a housing 102. In an embodiment, the lifting piston 104 may be slidingly accommodated in the housing 102, and the lifting piston 104 may include a proximal end 104a, and a distal end 104b such that the distal end 104b may be disposed opposite to the proximal end 104a. Furthermore, the biasing assembly 208 may be disposed between the proximal end 104a of the lifting piston 104, and a base 108 of the housing. Further, at step 802, the locking mechanism 310 may be disengaged into a released condition, which may release the compression force of the biasing assembly 208 for moving the lifting piston 104 from the first position up to a second position along a predefined distance. Therefore, the movement of the lifting piston from the first position to the second position may create a vacuum in the hydraulic chamber 202. As a result, due to the vacuum, a suction may be created for the hydraulic fluid. At step 806, the relief valve 220 may be actuated, or closed to prevent reverse-flow of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308 when the lifting piston 104 may be at the second position. At step 808, the pump 114 may be actuated to raise the lifting piston 104 beyond the second position to the third position. This is already explained in detail with conjunction to FIGs. 1-6C.
[053] In an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 9, illustrating a flowchart 900 of a method for lowering the lifting assembly 101 from the third position to the first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 902, the relief valve 220 may be opened to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308, thereby lowering the lifting piston from the third position to the second position. At step 904, the pump 114 may be actuated to lower the lifting piston from the second position to the first position. Particularly, the pump 114 may be reverse-operated to transmit the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber 202 to the hydraulic reservoir 308. As a result, the lifting piston may be lowered to the first position. At step 906, the locking mechanism 310 may be engaged in the locked condition for positioning and locking the lifting piston 104 at the first position. This is already explained in detail with conjunction to FIGs. 1-6C.
[054] Thus, the present disclosure may provide a lifting assembly 101, as the lifting piston may be operated under no load condition without a need of operating the lever arm. This may reduce manual effort, and time for operating the lifting assembly.
[055] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.
[056] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[057] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:I/We claim:

1. A lifting assembly (101), comprising:
a housing (102) to slidingly accommodate a lifting piston (104), wherein the lifting piston (104) comprises:
a proximal end (104a); and
a distal end (104b) oppositely disposed to the proximal end (104a);
a biasing assembly (208) disposed between the proximal end (104a) and a base (108) of the housing (102) of the lifting piston (104); and
a locking mechanism (310) operatively coupled with the distal end (104b) of the lifting piston (104), wherein the locking mechanism (310) operates between:
a locked condition, wherein the locking mechanism (310) is engaged to lock the lifting piston (104) at a first position (502) against a compression force of the biasing assembly (208); and
a released condition, wherein the locking mechanism (310) is disengaged to release the compression force of the biasing assembly (208), such that the lifting piston (104) moves to a second position (504) from the first position (502) under the compression force, and wherein the first position (502) and the second position (504) are separated by a predefined distance (D1).

2. The lifting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lifting assembly comprises:
a hydraulic circuit comprising:
a hydraulic reservoir (308) fluidically connected to the housing (102) through at least one hydraulic channel (302, 320, 322), wherein a fluid is supplied from the hydraulic reservoir(308) through the at least one hydraulic channel (302, 320, 322) into the housing (102) to support the lifting piston (104) in the released condition; and
a pump (114) fluidically connected to the hydraulic reservoir (308, ) to supply the fluid into the housing (102) to move the lifting piston (104) against a load (304) by a predefined distance (D2).

3. The lifting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises:
a hydraulic chamber (202) connected to the hydraulic circuit and configured to accommodate the lifting piston (104), wherein:
a vacuum is created in the hydraulic chamber (202) for suction of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic reservoir (308) to the hydraulic chamber (202) as the lifting piston progressively moves from the first position to the second position.
4. The lifting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (310) comprises:
a curved latch (402); and
an elastic member (404) coupled to the curved latch (402), such that the curved latch (402) is pulled against a tension force of the elastic member (404) to disengage the locking mechanism (310).

5. The lifting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing assembly (208) comprises:
a first end (218a) coupled with the base (108) of the housing (102); and
a second end (218b) oppositely disposed to the first end, wherein the second end is connected to the proximal end (104a) of the lifting piston (104).

6. The lifting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the biasing assembly (208) comprises at least one of:
a helical coil spring, or
a leaf spring.

7. The lifting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base (108) of the housing (102) comprises:
a biasing groove (216) to accommodate the first end (218a) of the biasing assembly (208).

8. A lifting method (700) of operating a lifting assembly, the lifting method comprising:
engaging a locking mechanism (310) in a locked condition for positioning a lifting piston (104) at a first position (502) against a compression force of a biasing assembly (208) in a housing (102), wherein:
the lifting piston (104) is slidingly accommodated in the housing (102), the lifting piston (104) comprising:
a proximal end (104a); and
a distal end (104b) oppositely disposed to the proximal end (104a); and
the biasing assembly (208) is disposed between the proximal end (104a) of the lifting piston (104) and a base (108) of the housing (102); and
disengaging the locking mechanism (310) in a released condition to release the compression force of the biasing assembly (208) for moving the lifting piston (104) to a second position (504) from the first position (502) under the compression force, and wherein:
the first position (502) and the second position (504) are separated by a predefined distance (D1).

9. The lifting method (700) as claimed in claim 8, comprising:
supplying a fluid into the housing (102) for supporting the lifting piston (104) in the released condition of the locking mechanism (310) from a hydraulic reservoir (308) through at least one hydraulic channel (302, 320, 322);
supplying, using a pump (114), a fluid from the hydraulic reservoir (308) to supply the fluid into the housing (102) to move the lifting piston (104) against a load by a predefined distance (D2).

10. The lifting method (700) as claimed in claim 8, comprising:
creating a vacuum in a hydraulic chamber (202) for suction of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic reservoir (308) to the hydraulic chamber (202) through the hydraulic circuit as the lifting piston progressively moves from the first position to the second position, wherein:
the hydraulic chamber (202) is positioned in the housing (102) and configured to accommodate the lifting piston (104).

11. The lifting method (700) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism (310) comprises:
a curved latch (402); and
an elastic member (404) coupled to the curved latch (402), such that the curved latch (402) is pulled against a tension force of the elastic member (404) to disengage the locking mechanism (310).

12. The lifting method (700) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the biasing assembly (208) comprises:
a first end (218a) coupled with the base (108) of the housing (102); and
a second end (218b) oppositely disposed to the first end, wherein the second end is connected to the proximal end of the lifting piston (104).

13. The lifting method (700) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the biasing assembly (208) comprises at least one of:
a helical coil spring, or
a leaf spring.

14. The lifting method (700) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base (108) of the housing (102) comprises:
A biasing groove (216) to accommodate the first end (218a) of the biasing assembly (208).