Clevis Crane Winch Hanger for Pipe Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lifting heavy pipes to elevated positions require significant physical exertion and anchoring devices that may necessitate drilling, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when clevis hangers are already installed.
Innovation Solution
A clevis crane apparatus that attaches to existing clevis hangers, supporting a winch for lifting pipes, eliminating the need for chainfalls, come-alongs, and drilling, by using a main body with bolt-receiving channels, a tightening mechanism, and a rod channel for secure attachment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chainfalls or comealongs are used to lift pipes, then mechanical advantage is provided to raise pipes to elevated positions, but significant physical exertion is required and anchoring devices requiring drilling are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis hanger serves dual purposes: it acts as both the suspension device for the pipe and the anchoring point for the winch. The winch attaches directly to the clevis hanger's existing structure, eliminating the need for separate anchoring devices that would require drilling into the deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The clevis hanger is designed to perform multiple functions: suspending the pipe, providing an attachment point for the winch, and serving as part of the lifting system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized anchoring devices.
2Productivity
If clevis hangers are already installed in the overhead deck, then pipe suspension capability is provided, but the ability to lift heavy pipes efficiently is limited without additional anchoring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The existing clevis hanger structure is utilized to provide the anchoring function. The winch attaches directly to the clevis hanger, allowing the hanger to serve both as the pipe suspension device and the winch anchoring point, thereby improving productivity without adding device complexity.
3Reliability
If anchoring devices requiring drilling are used, then secure attachment for lifting is achieved, but drilling into the deck is required which is time-consuming and may compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis hanger's existing structure is designed to accept the winch attachment without requiring additional drilling or modification of the deck. The attachment mechanism utilizes the hanger's built-in features, maintaining reliable attachment while simplifying installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for pipe lifting and suspension, then specific functions are achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The winch attachment device is integrated with the clevis hanger structure, combining the suspension function and the winch anchoring function into a single unified system. This reduces the number of separate components while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clevis hanger is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure: suspending the pipe, providing winch attachment points, and facilitating the lifting operation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable winch hanger is provided to mount and support a winch in midair or another location in order to lift objects such as pipes or the like to an appropriate height for installation. A plurality of bolt-receiving channels are connected to a main body and oriented laterally. A plurality of bolts, wedge bolts in particular, are positioned into the bolt-receiving channels. A rod channel runs vertically through the bolt-receiving channels to receive a vertically-oriented rod to which to affix the winch hanger. A tightening mechanism is engaged with the plurality of bolts and configured to axially displace the bolts within the bolt-receiving channels in order to tighten the bolts against the vertically-oriented rod. A center bolt is threadedly engaged with a threaded collar, which is connected to a tie bar, which is connected to the plurality of wedge bolts, ensuring the wedge bolts are laterally aligned with each other.