Adjustable Clamping Device for Flange Load Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for loads with flanges, particularly tubular elongated loads, face challenges such as strain and deformation during transport due to inadequate support and adaptability to different diameters and weights, leading to complex constructions and increased stress on the flange and adjacent surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with adjustable inner and outer clamping elements, supported by beam traverses, allowing for linear movement and positive connection to the load's flange and jacket area, enabling adaptable support and reduced deformation risk during transport from horizontal to vertical positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a known holding device is used to transport loads with flanges, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the load is subjected to severe stress and deformation in the flange area during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is divided into multiple independent clamping elements (at least two pairs of inner clamping elements and outer clamping elements) that can be distributed around the flange circumference. Each clamping element independently supports the load, distributing stress across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it in one location, thereby reducing deformation risk while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are specifically designed to contact different areas of the flange (inner clamping elements on the inner surface, outer clamping elements on the outer surface). This localized contact approach ensures that stress is distributed across the entire flange structure rather than concentrated at a single point, reducing the risk of localized deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hold-down device is added to reduce deformation, then the risk of deformation is reduced, but the device complexity increases and the force applied is independent of the transport process
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements are designed with linear displacement capability along imaginary axes, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and applied force based on the transport conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the device to adapt to different transport scenarios (horizontal storage, vertical transport, etc.) without requiring additional complex hold-down mechanisms, reducing device complexity while effectively preventing deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements serve multiple functions: they provide support during horizontal storage, enable controlled erection to vertical position, and maintain support during vertical transport. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hold-down devices for different transport phases, reducing overall device complexity while comprehensively addressing deformation risks throughout the entire transport process.
3Force
If multiple pairs of clamping elements are used to support heavy loads, then the load capacity is increased, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the flange geometry, with imaginary axes offset parallel to each other rather than symmetrically distributed. This asymmetric arrangement allows optimal positioning of each clamping element relative to the flange structure, maximizing load capacity while simplifying the adjustment mechanism compared to symmetric configurations that would require precise angular adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamping element is designed with linear displacement capability along its imaginary axis, allowing independent adjustment of position and applied force. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to accommodate different load weights and distributions without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire clamping element arrangement, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining high load capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Holding device (1) for loads (6) with a flange (5), wherein the holding device can be arranged on a crane-like lifting device and the holding device has at least four inner clamping elements (3) that can be arranged in pairs on an inner surface of the flange and are adjustable, with bearing surfaces for the flange (5) of the load (6), wherein each pair of the at least two pairs of inner clamping elements (3) is arranged on the holding device so as to be linearly displaceable relative to each other on an imaginary axis and the at least two pairs of inner clamping elements are arranged on the holding device in a parallel displacement relative to each other.