Convex-Surface Pipe Coil Lifter for Heavy Flexible Pipe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for loading and unloading coils of flexible pipe require excessive equipment and manual labor due to the large and heavy nature of the coils, necessitating an improved apparatus and method for efficient transportation and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coil lifting device with a superstructure featuring a central longitudinal member, perpendicular supports, and a convex upper surface, designed for use with forklifts or cranes, which securely lifts and transports coils of flexible pipe without damaging the pipe material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional equipment and manual labor are used for loading and unloading pipe coils, then the coils can be transported, but excessive equipment and manual labor are required due to the large and heavy nature of the coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized lifting device with a convex upper surface as an intermediary tool between the forklift/crane and the pipe coil. This mediator enables direct lifting of heavy coils without requiring multiple pieces of traditional equipment or extensive manual labor, thus improving productivity while reducing overall equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed with a universal convex upper surface that can accommodate different sizes and weights of pipe coils. This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle various coil configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized equipment pieces and reducing both manual labor and equipment complexity
2Ease of operation
If traditional loading methods are used, then pipe coils can be transported, but the process requires excessive manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device enables the pipe coil to be self-supported during the lifting process. The convex upper surface allows the coil to rest and be lifted by its own structure rather than requiring manual positioning and support by workers, dramatically reducing manual labor while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device acts as a mediator that transfers the weight-bearing function from human workers to the mechanical structure. The convex upper surface distributes the load across the coil, enabling safe lifting without excessive manual labor intervention while maintaining efficient operation
3Reliability
If conventional lifting equipment is used, then pipe coils can be moved, but the pipe material may be damaged during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device features a convex upper surface with specific local qualities designed to protect the pipe material. The curved surface distributes contact pressure across a larger area of the coil, preventing localized stress concentrations that could damage the pipe, while maintaining efficient lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The convex upper surface design inherently provides cushioning protection before damage can occur. The curved geometry allows for gradual load distribution and prevents sharp edge contact with the pipe, offering built-in protection that maintains both reliability and transportation efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coil lifting device includes a superstructure with a central longitudinal member and at least two supports attached to opposite sides of the central longitudinal member, with two channels at the outside long-edges of the superstructure attached to the supports, with a convex upper surface attached to the supports of the superstructure.