Detachable CLT Lifting Anchor for On-Site Panel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of concrete slabs in construction requires expensive and cumbersome lifting solutions, such as embedded lifting eyes or heavy equipment, which are costly and can halt construction processes if not timely available.
Innovation Solution
A lifting system for wooden construction elements, particularly cross-laminated timber (CLT), using a rod with dowels and a detachable lifting element that is affixed to the element via dowel holes, allowing for on-site mounting and dual functionality as a construction anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If embedded lifting eyes or heavy lift arrangements are used for concrete slabs, then sufficient lifting capacity is achieved, but manufacturing cost and equipment weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is divided into separate components: a rod that can be inserted into the wooden element, dowels for anchoring, and a detachable lifting element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the system to be adapted to different lifting requirements without requiring heavy integrated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions: it acts as an anchor when doweled into the wooden element, provides a mounting structure for the lifting element, and can remain in place to serve as a structural connector between elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate embedding and lifting operations.
2Force
If embedded lifting eyes are precast into concrete slabs, then lifting capacity is sufficient, but manufacturing complexity and removal requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is prepared in advance with dowel holes positioned to align with predetermined locations in the wooden element. This preliminary preparation allows for quick on-site assembly without requiring complex embedding operations during manufacturing, while ensuring proper alignment and lifting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting element is designed as a detachable, temporary component that can be easily removed after lifting. This approach replaces expensive permanent embedded eyes with a cheaper, reusable lifting attachment that serves its purpose and is then discarded or reused on another element.
3Force
If heavy lift or fork-like arrangements are used for concrete slabs, then lifting capacity is adequate, but logistics cost and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod with dowels is designed to be self-installing: the dowels anchor the rod into the wooden element through simple insertion and tapping, requiring no special equipment or complex procedures. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for heavy specialized lifting equipment and simplifies on-site operations.
4Productivity
If lifting equipment is not available at the building site in due time, then construction process is halted, but ensuring availability increases logistics cost
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system components (rod, dowels, lifting element) can be transported separately and assembled on-site, reducing logistics complexity. The modular nature allows for flexible delivery scheduling and reduces the need for large specialized equipment to be transported and positioned at the site.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lifting system (1) for lifting wooden construction elements e.g. cross laminated timber (CLT) elements, comprising a rod (3) defining a longitudinal axis, a first end section and a second end section, a lifting element (9) connected to the rod, the lifting element comprising a lift section (10) arranged to receive a hook, a rope, a wire or similar lifting equipment, and a number of dowels (7), the dowels defining a first dowel section and second dowel section, the first and second dowel section being connected via a common section, wherein the rod comprises a number of rod holes arranged to receive the dowels, and wherein the lifting element is adapted to be detachably connected to the rod.