Boom Assembly Lifting Connectors for Pipelayer Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing boom assembly for machines like pipelayers poses a safety hazard during assembly due to the potential slippage of the upper boom block and hook block from the lifting rope, leading to damage and risk of pinch points during lifting operations.
Innovation Solution
The boom assembly incorporates a design with lifting connectors on the boom blocks and hook blocks that allow for secure attachment of lifting straps, using cables and hinges for stable coupling and lifting, reducing the risk of slippage and improving safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lifting rope is wrapped and secured around the upper boom block and upper hook block using protrusions, then the assembly process can proceed, but the blocks may slip from the lifting rope causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lifting eyes as intermediary components that provide dedicated attachment points for the lifting rope. These lifting eyes are specifically designed features on the boom blocks and hook blocks that serve as reliable anchorage points, replacing the inadequate protrusions and eliminating the slippage hazard while maintaining ease of assembly.
2Productivity
If protruding edges and bolts are used to secure the lifting rope, then the lifting operation can be performed, but the blocks may fall from substantial height causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements lifting eyes as pre-designed safety features that prevent catastrophic failure before it can occur. By providing secure attachment points in advance, the system eliminates the risk of blocks falling from substantial height, thereby preventing damage to equipment and injury to personnel while maintaining assembly productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lifting rope is secured by protruding bolts and nuts, then the coupling can be achieved, but pinch points may form between blocks and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting eyes serve as intermediary attachment points that eliminate the need for protruding bolts and nuts to secure the lifting rope. This design change removes the creation of pinch points between these protrusions and nearby personnel or equipment, while still achieving the necessary secure coupling for lifting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A boom assembly for a pipelayer includes a boom member having a first end and a second end. The boom assembly includes a first boom block adapted to be removably coupled to the second end of the boom member. The boom assembly includes a second boom block adapted to be removably coupled to a chassis of the pipelayer. The boom assembly includes a first hook block adapted to be removably coupled to the second end of the boom member. The boom assembly includes a second hook block adapted to be operably coupled to the first hook block. The boom assembly also includes a first lifting connector disposed on the first boom block and a second lifting connector disposed on the first hook block. Each of the first lifting connector and the second lifting connector is adapted to removably receive a lifting strap therethrough.