Adjustable Gripping Lifter for Safe Slab Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lifting cumbersome construction materials, such as pre-cast concrete and stone slabs, are unsafe and labor-intensive, often resulting in injuries and damage due to the need to lift and stabilize objects multiple times and use of chains or straps, which pose risks to workers during handling and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A gripping and lifting system comprising a pivotably connected lifting member and slotted safety latch lever assembly, with arm assemblies that close around the object to provide a secure grip, allowing for safe and efficient lifting of objects of varying shapes and sizes without the need for multiple workers to handle chains or straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If chains or straps are used to lift cumbersome articles, then the lifting capability is achieved, but worker safety deteriorates and injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized lifting apparatus with arm assemblies that act as an intermediary between the lifting mechanism and the cumbersome article. This apparatus includes a main tube, lifting member, and arm assemblies that collectively engage the article, distributing forces safely and eliminating the need for workers to directly handle chains or straps near the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus is designed to self-stabilize and self-position during the lifting process. The arm assemblies automatically adjust to engage the article properly, and the system includes built-in stabilization features that eliminate the need for workers to manually balance or stabilize the load multiple times, thereby preventing injuries.
2Ease of operation
If manual stabilization and positioning are performed multiple times, then the object can be lifted and positioned, but labor intensity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with pre-configured arm assemblies and lifting members that are positioned and configured before the lifting operation begins. The arm assemblies are pre-adjusted to match the dimensions of the article, and the lifting mechanism is pre-positioned to engage the article in a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple stabilization attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the slotted safety latch lever assembly and linkages that allow the arm assemblies to adapt to the article's position during lifting. This dynamic system automatically adjusts to maintain proper engagement and balance throughout the lifting process, enabling single-attempt successful lifts.
3Ease of repair
If pry bars and wedge blocks are used to remove chains and straps, then the lifting apparatus can be reset, but worker injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses a controlled release mechanism with slotted safety latch lever assemblies that act as intermediaries between the lifting member and the article. This allows the lifting member to be released and reset without workers needing to manually insert pry bars or wedge blocks between the apparatus components and the article, eliminating the associated injury risks.
4Strength
If wooden pallets are used as lifting surfaces, then the lifting capability is achieved, but the system becomes less versatile and requires additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is designed as a universal system with adjustable arm assemblies and lifting members that can accommodate various shapes, sizes, and weights of cumbersome articles. The main tube and lifting member configurations can be adjusted to work with different article geometries, eliminating the need for wooden pallets or other article-specific lifting surfaces and enhancing system versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for gripping and lifting heavy and cumbersome objects is disclosed. A slotted safety latch lever assembly permits the pivoting action of an upper tube relative to a main tube, facilitating the gripping and releasing action of arm assemblies at either end of the main tube. The length of the main tube is adjustable, permitting the main tube to shorten or lengthen as needed for gripping the object. The upper tube has a lifting device connector selectively positioned longitudinally relative to the upper tube for achieving correct balance point for lifting.