Cylindrical Object Handling Apparatus with Pivoting Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling heavy and bulky cylindrical objects, such as gas tanks, is challenging due to difficulties in safely moving them between vertical and horizontal positions, often resulting in hazards like falls and back injuries, and existing devices lack a simple, effective mechanism for secure attachment and mechanical advantage during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated apparatus with a base, vertical tube, slide bar, engagement bracket, and locking mechanism that allows for secure attachment and pivoting of cylindrical objects, providing a mechanical advantage for vertical to horizontal movement, enabling safe handling and storage without requiring lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of cylindrical objects is performed by tilting and rolling, then the objects can be moved between positions, but the risk of falling and causing injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hand cart with a circular band as an intermediary device between the operator and the cylindrical object. The circular band securely encircles and holds the cylinder, preventing uncontrolled rolling and falling while enabling safe transport and positioning operations.
2Ease of operation
If elaborate lifting mechanisms are used to lift cylindrical objects, then vertical movement is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hand cart platform provides a stable support surface that allows operators to work at ground level when loading and unloading cylinders. This eliminates the need for complex overhead lifting mechanisms by creating an equipotential working plane where cylinders can be safely transferred without vertical lifting.
3Productivity
If cylindrical objects are transported horizontally on raised shelves, then storage efficiency is improved, but the risk of back injury increases during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The hand cart maintains the cylindrical object at ground level during transport, creating an equipotential workflow that eliminates the need for operators to lift heavy objects to elevated shelves. The cart can be rolled directly to storage locations where cylinders can be safely deposited without back-straining lifting actions.
4Ease of operation
If simple hand carts with straps are used for transport, then mobility is improved, but secure attachment of cylindrical objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The circular band serves as a specialized intermediary attachment mechanism that perfectly matches the cylindrical shape of the objects. Unlike generic straps, the circular band provides uniform circumferential contact and secure holding, enabling reliable transport while maintaining cart mobility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus facilitates safe and efficient movement and storage of cylindrical objects by providing a secure attachment and mechanical advantage, reducing the risk of injury and damage, while allowing for easy transition between vertical and horizontal positions with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
a user may utilize the length of the cylindrical object to achieve a mechanical advantage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provides a means by which a heavy cylindrical object, such as a gas cylinder, may be manually moved by a single person from a vertical standing position in a first location to a second location and, if desired, raised and placed on a storage shelf or platform. The apparatus has clamping mechanism which clamps around the girth of the cylindrical object. Once the cylindrical object is secured within the clamping mechanism, a manual force applied to one end of the cylindrical causes the clamping mechanism and the cylindrical object to pivot, raising the bottom of the cylindrical object from the surface upon which it stands. The apparatus, having ground engaging wheels, may then be pushed to the second location.