Chain Clamp Device for Multi-Position Hoisting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for lifting equipment to elevated positions are inefficient, as they can only be attached to the bottom of a chain, require multiple operations for multiple items, are complex to assemble, and are not versatile for use with ropes or cables.

Innovation Solution

A clamp device with a body member and door member, featuring eyelets, projection members for chain engagement, and a locking mechanism, allowing attachment at any chain link and secure hoisting, as well as a version for ropes/cables with a clamping mechanism, enabling efficient and versatile lifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing devices are attached only to the bottom of a chain, then the device structure is simple, but multiple hoisting operations are required for multiple items and the burden on the hoisting device is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidhoisting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp device is designed to attach to any link along the chain rather than only the bottom link, enabling multiple items to be hoisted simultaneously in a single operation. This multi-position attachment capability transforms the device from a single-point attachment tool to a multi-point attachment system, dramatically improving hoisting efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a movable jaw with spring-loaded engagement mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to different chain link positions. The spring-loaded design allows the clamp to self-adjust and securely engage with chain links at various positions along the chain, enabling flexible multi-position attachment while maintaining simple device construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If existing devices have only one hook attached to the lower end portion, then the device structure is simple, but multiple hoisting operations are required for multiple items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidtime required for hoisting operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp device enables simultaneous attachment of multiple items at different chain positions, transforming the hoisting process from sequential single-item operations to parallel multi-item operations. This eliminates the time loss associated with multiple separate hoisting operations while maintaining reasonable device structural simplicity through the use of standardized clamp mechanisms at each attachment point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple clamp devices can be pre-attached to different positions along the chain before the hoisting operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows all items to be ready for simultaneous lifting, eliminating the need for sequential attachment operations and reducing total hoisting time without adding complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If existing devices require a wrench and other hardware such as screws and nuts for assembly, then the attachment is secure, but the assembly process is complicated and hardware is easily lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design extracts and eliminates the need for separate fastening hardware such as screws, nuts, and wrenches by integrating the attachment function directly into the clamp mechanism itself. The self-contained clamp design achieves secure attachment through its inherent mechanical structure rather than relying on separate fastening components, simplifying assembly and preventing hardware loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp device is designed to be self-assembling and self-securing without requiring external tools or additional hardware. The spring-loaded engagement mechanisms and movable jaw design allow the device to automatically secure itself to the chain link through simple manual operation, eliminating the need for wrenches, screws, and nuts while maintaining reliable attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing devices are designed only for steel chain, then the device structure is specialized, but the device cannot be used with rope, cable, or other cord type members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different hoisting membersVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp device is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can securely engage with multiple types of hoisting members including steel chains, ropes, cables, and cord-type members. The movable jaw and spring-loaded engagement system can adapt to different geometries and materials, providing versatile compatibility across various hoisting applications without requiring multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable parameters such as movable jaw positioning and spring pressure that can be modified to accommodate different hoisting member types. By changing these parameters, the same basic device structure can effectively engage with chains, ropes, cables, and other materials, achieving versatility without increasing fundamental device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10099900B2Clamp device for lifting equipment and other items to an elevated position
Publication Date: 2018.10.16 MECHANICAL DEVICES COMPANY
  • US10099900B2 patent drawing
  • US10099900B2 patent drawing
  • US10099900B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A clamp device for lifting equipment from a first position to a second elevated position. The present device includes a body member and a clamping member. A cord, cable or rope may be received within the body member and secured therein when the clamping member is attached thereto. Eyelets located on the body member may be used to attach various equipment and supplies thereto. A wench or other hoisting device may be used to raise the cord, cable or rope associated with the present clamp device and the equipment attached thereto to an elevated position.