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Principle

8. Counterweight

a. Compensate for the object’s weight by joining with another
object that has a lifting force
b. Compensate for the weight of an object by interaction with
an environment providing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic forces

  • Principle Description:  Compensate for equivalents and create uniform distribution.

  • Hints on Usage:  Look for ways to oppose or balance.  Look for ways to “make matters right.” Find a contrary action to alleviate an effect.  Determine where in the system are correctable defects and process losses.  Find ways to create a uniform distribution.  Look for ways to increase the function of other parts of the system by applying an effect to an impaired section or an unimpaired part.

  • Mechanical uses of the counterbalance principle, such as equivalent offsetting weights, are the most commonly used.  Explore compensations to offset an undesired action (like weight or force) in the existing system / super-system / environment by lifting or effecting with air, gravity, fluids, etc.

  • But, don’t be limited to applying this principle to mechanical issues only.  Look also at applying this principle to business issues, interpersonal relationships, or other disciplines such as chemistry.  Examine ways to atone for, balance, redeem, annul, negate, neutralize, redress, and counter-relate.

Examples:
  • Cranes and forklifts lift and move heavy objects by counterbalancing (counterweighting).

  • Some vertical machining centers contain a mechanical counterbalance inside the column to offset headstock weight.

  • Counterbalance valves are required when gravity can move a load faster than the speed intended by a hydraulic system. Without the counterbalance value negative system pressures may be generated that are likely to cause serious damage or failures.

  • In fiber-optic strain gauges (such as Fabry-Pérot strain gauges), thermal self-compensation mechanisms use a metallic fiber to counterbalance thermal expansion of the structural material.

  • Elevators designed by Otis use counterweights as do trams, and air conditioner compressors.

  • Counterweights are used to counter the inertia of flywheels.

  • The whale tail (spoiler) on the rear of a Porsche counters the aerodynamic lifting forces that occur at high speeds.

  • Optimists may be placed on a team to counterbalance pessimists and a “get-it-done” person may balance a detail-orientated team member and vice versa.

  • Balanced portfolios include a mixture of aggressive and conservative investments that offset market pressures in order to try to protect investments.

  • A person may counteract feelings of inferiority, frustration, or failure in one area of life by acknowledging achievement in another.

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