Adjustable Module Lift Frame Assembly for Variable Center of Gravity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional module lift systems for heavy industrial modules, particularly in the bitumen, heavy oil, and petrochemical industries, face challenges with adjusting for variable center of gravity and module dimensions, leading to complex rigging setups, potential injury hazards, and significant stresses due to lack of stiffness during lifting.

Innovation Solution

A module lift frame assembly comprising multipoint adapter plates, longitudinal lift beams with transverse bracing, adjustable slings, and slider assemblies that allow for precise adjustment of lift beams and sling lengths to center the module's center of gravity under the lift assembly, reducing pinch points and stress on the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigging assemblies with multiple spreader bars, slings and shackles are used to lift modules with variable centre of gravity, then the module can be lifted, but the rigging complexity increases and adjustment time lengthens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to variable centre of gravityVSAvoidrigging complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lift frame is segmented into modular components including adapter plates, longitudinal beams, transverse bracing, and adjustable slings. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to accommodate variable module configurations and center of gravity positions without requiring complete rigging redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lift frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables center of gravity adjustment, distributes lift loads, and accommodates various module dimensions. The universal design allows the same basic structure to handle different module configurations through adjustable components rather than requiring specialized rigging for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigging assemblies with multiple components are used to accommodate variable module configurations, then modules can be lifted, but the number of pinch points and potential injury sites increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to variable module configurationsVSAvoidpinch points and injury hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate rigging components (spreader bars, slings, shackles) are merged into an integrated lift frame assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete connection points and potential pinch points while maintaining the ability to accommodate variable module configurations through built-in adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lift frame acts as an intermediary structure between the crane and the module. It provides a rigid, controlled interface that eliminates the need for multiple flexible sling connections and manual adjustment of individual rigging components, thereby reducing injury hazards while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional rigging without structural stiffness is used to lift modules, then modules can be lifted, but significant stresses are created within the module for unequally loaded modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module liftingVSAvoidstress within module

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The lift frame incorporates adjustable slings and slider assemblies that can be dynamically repositioned to match the module's actual center of gravity location. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures equal load distribution across the lift points, preventing excessive stresses while maintaining ease of operation for various module configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changes in geometric parameters (sling lengths, beam positions, adapter plate locations) to optimize load distribution. By adjusting these parameters based on the specific module configuration, the lift frame maintains structural integrity and minimizes stresses while preserving operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If adjustable slings and slider assemblies are used to center the module's centre of gravity, then lifting safety and efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter plates and slider assemblies are pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms that allow quick centering of the module's center of gravity. This preliminary preparation of adjustment capabilities enables rapid safety optimizations without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the lifting operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9463959B2Adjustable module lift frame assembly

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 PCL IND MANAGEMENT

AI summary

A module lift assembly includes first and second multipoint adapter plates separated by a horizontal transverse spreader bar; a lift frame having first and second longitudinal lift beams separated by horizontal transverse bracing; a plurality of slings of adjustable length connecting the first multipoint adapter plate to the first lift beam and connecting the second multipoint adapter plate to the second lift beam; and a plurality of slider assemblies each slidingly affixed to the first and second lift beams, and a lift shackle for attaching to a module.