Crane Mat Lifting System for Simultaneous Multi-Mat Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outrigger mat systems require manual placement by workers, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks due to the heavy weight of mats and the need for crane movement, hindering efficient and safe operations in lifting systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving upper and lower crane mats with recessed lifting portions and a sling system that allows for simultaneous lifting of multiple mats, reducing the need for crane movement and enhancing safety by enabling two-point lifting and nested stacking to prevent shifting during transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers manually place outrigger mats individually, then the mats can be positioned accurately, but the process is time-consuming and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outrigger mats are combined into a single liftable unit by attaching lifting portions to each mat and connecting them with a sling, allowing simultaneous lifting and placement of multiple mats, thereby reducing placement time and improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
A sling acts as an intermediary component that connects multiple mats and lifting portions together, enabling the crane to lift and position multiple mats simultaneously without requiring manual handling of each individual mat
2Ease of operation
If crane movement is used to position mats, then mats can be delivered to location, but frequent crane movement reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mats are combined into a single liftable assembly, allowing the crane to deliver multiple mats in one operation rather than making repeated trips, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
Mats are prepared in advance by attaching lifting portions to them, so they are ready for immediate lifting and placement, reducing the need for repeated crane movements and improving overall productivity
3Productivity
If multiple mats are lifted simultaneously, then placement time is reduced, but the lifting system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is segmented into modular components (lifting portions with arms and plates attached to each mat) that can be independently configured but work together as a unified system, allowing scalable complexity management
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting portions are designed as universal components that can be attached to any outrigger mat and work with standard slings and crane hooks, reducing the need for specialized equipment and minimizing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A stack of crane mats can be lifted by a sling which engages two or more lifting portions mounted to recessed walls. The lifting portions are configured such that a sling can lift a stack of mats. Each lifting portion includes an arm having a proximal end attached to a recessed wall of the mat and a distal end attached to a plate. A protrusion is mounted on each arm such that when the mats are stacked, the protrusions over lower mats are nested within recessed cutouts of upper mats. After a stack is landed, the sling may retain one or more upper crane mats and lift them away from a lower crane mat.