Adjustable Spreader Bar Link Assembly for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreader bar designs fail to efficiently adjust to lift objects of various sizes, leading to uneven load distribution and increased stress on the bar, as they often require horizontal load components to be directly borne by the bar, which can result in inefficient lifting and potential structural damage.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spreader bar apparatus featuring a bar with movable link assemblies, including a trunnion sleeve and upper and lower links that can be locked at specific locations, allowing vertical loads to be transferred through the links and minimizing horizontal loads on the bar, thus optimizing stress distribution and enabling easy length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing spreader bar designs are used, then the bar can lift objects, but the bar must bear horizontal load components which increases stress and reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the horizontal load-bearing function from the bar by introducing link assemblies with pins that can bear horizontal forces. The bar is relieved of horizontal load components, which now are transferred through the pins and links, thereby reducing stress on the bar and improving its durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length spreader bars are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot adapt to objects of various sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the link assemblies movable along the bar with multiple stopping positions. This allows the spreader bar to dynamically adjust its effective length according to different lifting requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the pin-and-link mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If link assemblies are made movable along the bar, then length adjustment is enabled, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spreader bar into a bar component and separate link assemblies. This segmentation allows the links to be independently positioned and adjusted along the bar at different stopping positions, enabling easy length adjustment while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader bar apparatus provides a bar member having a bar length and first and second bar end portions. A plurality of transverse bar openings are spaced between the bar and end portions. A first bar lifting portion or link assembly is movable relative to the bar and into different positions. A second bar lifting portion or link assembly is movable relative to the bar and into different positions. Each bar lifting portion or link assembly has a trunnion sleeve fitted with multiple links. One or more lifting lines are each attachable to the lifting portions such as to an upper link or lower link. Each lifting member includes an upper link, a lower link, and a trunnion sleeve, wherein the trunnion sleeve has a bore that is sized and shaped to receive the bar, wherein the upper and lower links are rotatably mounted to the trunnion sleeve. One or more pins enable the trunnion sleeve to be attached to the bar at a selected bar opening.