Beam Rotator Jaw and Support Arm for Stable Steel Beam Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steel beam rotators have narrow openings that complicate beam insertion and often rely on chains, which cause hazardous working conditions and hinder welding due to beam movement.
Innovation Solution
A beam rotation device with a pivotable second vertical jaw arm and a support arm that expands the throat for easy beam insertion and stabilization, using linear actuators to hold the beam stationary during operations, and a chain mechanism for controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a narrow opening is used in existing beam rotators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult beam insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The second vertical jaw arm is made pivotally coupled to the base support frame, allowing it to dynamically change position between a closed position (for compact storage) and an open position (for easy beam insertion). This dynamic configuration enables the throat opening to expand when needed without permanently increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw structure is segmented into a first vertical jaw arm (fixed) and a second vertical jaw arm (movable), allowing independent movement of the second arm to expand the throat opening. This segmentation enables selective opening only when beam insertion is required
2Reliability
If a chain is used to hold and rotate the steel beam, then the beam can be rotated, but the reliability deteriorates due to beam movement during welding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is pivotally coupled to enable dynamic positioning - it can pivot to a first position to support the beam during welding operations (providing stability) and to a second position to allow beam rotation. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between stability and rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm acts as an intermediary between the chain mechanism and the beam, providing a stable support surface during welding while allowing the chain to independently perform rotation functions. This intermediary element decouples the stability function from the rotation function
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
Facilitates safer and more efficient steel beam fabrication by allowing easy access, reducing hazards, and preventing beam sway during welding and other tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A housing comprises a linear actuator coupled to a support arm bracket. Extending from the support arm bracket is a support arm. The support arm is moveable up and down on a y-axis via the linear actuator to hold a steel beam.
Implementation Method 2
The beam may also be cradled on a chain that extends between the first vertical jaw arm and the second vertical jaw arm.
Data Source
AI summary
The beam rotation device described herein has a base support with a first vertical jaw arm, a second vertical jaw arm, and a support arm. The second vertical jaw arm may be pivotally coupled to the device so as to go from a first, closed position to a second, opened position to receive a steel beam (e.g., I-beam). Once the steel beam is placed within the device, the support arm may hold the beam stationary to allow a worker to weld or perform other tasks. It will be appreciated that multiple beam rotation devices may be coupled together and work in tandem to receive and rotate a beam. The beam rotation device creates a safer working environment than the rotators found in the art by having a pivotable second vertical jaw arm that may open to receive a beam and a support arm to hold the beam during fabrication.