Claw Device Friction Gripping Manhole Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation, removal, and repair of manhole assemblies are challenging due to their weight and require extensive resources, as conventional methods often necessitate multiple steps and are not well-suited for handling heavy iron frames.
Innovation Solution
A claw device with a base assembly and pivotable arm assemblies that can be adjusted to grip manhole assemblies of varying diameters, utilizing a slide mechanism and grip pads to apply frictional force for lifting, which can be coupled with a crane for efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to install, remove, or repair manhole assemblies, then multiple steps are required and extensive manual labor is needed, but the process is inefficient and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a claw device as an intermediary tool between the lifting equipment and the manhole assembly. This device includes gripping arms with friction surfaces that interface with the manhole frame, enabling direct engagement and lifting without multiple manual操作步骤. The claw device translates lifting force into gripping action through its mechanical structure, eliminating the need for separate gripping and lifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The claw device is designed to automatically engage and grip the manhole assembly when lifting force is applied. The friction surfaces and gripping arms are configured such that the act of lifting itself generates the gripping action - as the device is raised, the arms naturally contact and friction-grip the frame. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual gripping steps.
2Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to handle heavy iron frames, then extensive manual labor and resources are required, but the process becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The claw device is divided into modular components: a base assembly, multiple independent arm assemblies, and friction surfaces. Each arm assembly can independently engage the frame, and the modular design allows the device to handle frames of various sizes by adjusting which arms are active. This segmentation simplifies operation while managing the complexity of handling different manhole sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The claw device is designed with multiple arm assemblies that can accommodate different manhole assembly sizes and configurations. The same basic device structure can grip various frame diameters by adjusting the engagement position of the arms, eliminating the need for different specialized tools for different sizes. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity across diverse applications.
3Productivity
If traditional gripping methods are used on internal surfaces, then the frame must be accessed by removing the lid, but this adds unnecessary steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the lid to access the frame from the inside (traditional approach), the claw device inverts the approach by gripping the frame from the outside. The friction surfaces contact the external surface of the frame, allowing direct engagement without lid removal. This inverted gripping strategy eliminates the preliminary step of lid removal while maintaining secure grip on the heavy frame.
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 claw device allows for efficient installation, removal, and repair of manhole assemblies by applying a lifting force through friction, reducing the need for extensive manual labor and resources, and can be adapted for different sizes and shapes of objects.
Implementation Method 1
the manhole assembly may be lifted due to, for example, a friction force between the pads and the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a claw device for installing, removing, and repairing a manhole assembly. Claw device may include a base assembly and two or more arm assemblies. The arm assemblies may be configured to pivot in response to movement of a slide along an axis of a shaft extending upwardly from base assembly. In particular, when a lifting force is applied to the slide, one or more grip pads of arm assemblies may be configured to move inwardly toward the shaft and frictionally grip a surface of the manhole assembly. In one aspect, at least one arm assembly includes an extending member having a plurality of positions for adjusting the length of at least one arm assembly. Advantageously, claw device may be adjusted to accommodate for manhole assemblies of different diameters or other objects having various shapes and sizes.