Adjustable Load Crossbar for Container Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load beams for suspending loads, such as containers, face challenges in adapting to varying load sizes and shapes, and in preventing bending forces, which can hinder efficient stacking and transportation of loads.
Innovation Solution
A load beam with adjustable traverses and stop elements that allow for customizable length and width, featuring telescopic traverses and modular design, ensuring the beam can be adapted to fit between containers and prevent buckling, while allowing for secure attachment points for lifting straps and cranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the load beam is made larger to properly hang up the load, then the load handling capability is improved, but the difficulty of inserting between containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load beam employs telescopic traverses that can be dynamically adjusted in length. The traverses consist of inner and outer tubes that can be extended or retracted, allowing the beam to adapt its dimensions to different loading scenarios - providing sufficient span for secure load attachment while being compact enough to pass between stacked containers
2Ease of operation
If the load beam is made smaller to ease insertion between containers, then the ease of operation is improved, but the load handling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic traverses enable the load beam to start in a compact state for easy insertion between containers, then extend to the required size once positioned to provide adequate load handling capability. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between small initial dimensions for insertion and large operational dimensions for load security
3Device complexity
If fixed-length traverses are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic traverses provide adjustability without requiring complex mechanisms. Each traverse consists of simple inner and outer tubes that can be extended or retracted and locked in place, offering adaptability to different load sizes while maintaining relatively simple construction compared to fully adjustable mechanisms
4Strength
If the load beam is designed to prevent bending forces, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load beam is divided into multiple traverses arranged in a flat configuration, with at least two traverses extending in different directions. This segmentation creates a rigid framework that naturally resists bending forces through geometric stability while keeping individual components relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The load beam utilizes composite construction combining telescopic tubular structures with reinforcing elements. The traverses are formed from suitable materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, and the flat arrangement of multiple traverses creates a composite structure that effectively distributes and resists bending forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a load-bearing beam (1), in particular a spreader beam, for lifting devices (2) for attaching loads (3), comprising at least two beams (4) arranged at an angle (a) to each other and connected to each other, such that the load-bearing beam (1) has a flat surface, and with lifting elements (5) to which at least the load (3) can be attached to the load-bearing beam (1). According to the invention, at least two of the beams (4) are adjustable in their length (Lx, Ly).