Adjustable Manhole Cover Lifting Tool with Center of Gravity Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole cover lifting tools are often cumbersome, difficult to set up, and pose a risk of injury due to their fixed designs and lack of ergonomic support, leading to back strain and accidents, as evidenced by the high incidence of injuries in the utility industry.
Innovation Solution
A manhole cover lifting tool with adjustable components, including a support bar at the center of gravity, a gyroscope for optimal angle determination, and modular attachments for enhanced mechanical advantage and safety, such as lever hooks and power lifting belts, designed to reduce strain and improve portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed design manhole cover lifting tools are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool causes back strain and injury risk due to improper ergonomics and fixed pivot points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable pivot point that can be adjusted along the support bar to locate at the center of gravity of the manhole cover. This dynamic positioning allows the tool to adapt to different cover weights and dimensions, optimizing leverage and reducing ergonomic strain on the operator, thereby improving safety without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows adjustment of the pivot point position parameter along the support bar. By changing this parameter to locate the pivot at the center of gravity, the tool optimizes mechanical advantage and distributes weight more effectively, reducing back strain while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Force
If bulky designs are used to provide better leverage, then the lifting capability is improved, but the portability and setup time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a long support bar for leverage, a movable pivot point for optimization, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the support bar provides the necessary length for mechanical advantage while remaining a simple, portable component that can be easily transported and quickly deployed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pivot point designs are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the adaptability to different manhole cover sizes and weights is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot point is designed to be movable along the support bar rather than fixed, allowing operators to reposition it to locate at the center of gravity for different manhole covers. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to various cover sizes and weights while maintaining a simple tool structure that requires minimal additional components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool provides improved mechanical advantage, ergonomic support, and safety features that reduce the risk of injury and enhance efficiency in lifting heavy manhole covers, making it suitable for various utility trades and hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
incorporation of position-based technology, such as gyroscopes to allow users to find their 'sweet spot' (defined herein as a particular angle for a particular user most effective in lifting covers of a particular size)
Implementation Method 2
designed to reduce strain and improve portability
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a tool, system of tools, or method of utilizing tools to quickly, safely, ergonomically and effectively lift any number of objects including but not limited to manhole covers and car tires. The user is aided by the tool containing any number of picks that may be directionally adjusted, manually or automatically, latches to connect the tool to attachments (such as tripods, power lifting belts, vehicles, and other tools), additional support handle bars located at or about the center of gravity which may be adjusted from one location to another to guide the body into a lifting posture to reduce back strain and accident potential, pre-molded or moldable sections on the tool or its handlebars to aid the user in gripping the tool, a gyroscope and other features for making the jobs of utility workers and service workers safer, more efficient, and easier.