Cylindrical Container Lifting Device with Adjustable Toggle Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting mechanisms for cylindrical containers often cause damage due to friction and are difficult to engage, leading to operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device comprising arcuate members with sleeves and handles, an adjustable hinge, and a toggle latch clamp, designed to minimize friction and facilitate easy engagement with cylindrical containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If circular members are used with frictional lock to lift cylindrical container, then lifting capability is achieved, but container surface is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a container engagement assembly with C-shaped members that act as intermediaries between the lifting mechanism and the cylindrical container. These C-shaped members engage with the container body without requiring high friction, thereby preventing surface damage while maintaining lifting capability. The engagement assembly mediates the interaction to eliminate direct frictional contact between the circular members and container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical locking system with a toggle latch mechanism. This toggle latch system uses geometric locking and mechanical advantage instead of friction to secure the container, eliminating the harmful frictional contact that causes surface damage while maintaining effective lifting force.
2Force
If frictional lock mechanism is used, then lifting force is sufficient, but operator engagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container engagement assembly is designed to self-adjust and self-align with the cylindrical container through the adjustable hinge mechanism. The C-shaped members automatically position themselves to engage the container body, eliminating the need for operator force or complex alignment procedures. The system serves itself by utilizing the container's geometry to guide proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an adjustable hinge that allows the C-shaped members to dynamically adapt their position and orientation during engagement. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the mechanism to easily accommodate variations in container size and position, making operator engagement simple and intuitive while maintaining sufficient lifting force through the toggle latch system.
3Device complexity
If fixed circular members are used, then structure is simple, but adaptability to different container sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adjustable hinge mechanism that enables the C-shaped members to dynamically adjust their spacing and orientation. This dynamic capability allows the same lifting device to accommodate various container diameters and heights without requiring multiple fixed configurations, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container engagement assembly is segmented into multiple adjustable C-shaped members connected by hinges. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each member's position, enabling the system to adapt to different container sizes. The modular segmented structure achieves versatility without requiring a completely complex redesign, as each segment can be independently positioned.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device (100) including a first arcuate member (102) coupled with a first sleeve (104), which has a first cut-out at a radial mid-section of the first arcuate member (102), such that, a first handle (106) extends from the radial mid-section. The lifting device (100) further includes a second arcuate member (108) coupled with a second sleeve (110), which has a second cut-out at a radial mid-section of the second arcuate member (108), such that, a second handle (112) extends from the radial mid-section. The lifting device (100) further include an adjustable hinge (114) coupled between a first end of the first arcuate member (102) and a first end of the second arcuate member (108). The lifting device (100) further includes a toggle latch clamp (116) coupled between a second end of the first arcuate member (102) and a second end of the second arcuate member (108).