Embedded Lifting Eye Counterweight Assembly Without Welded Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Counterweights with bolted on or welded on lifting hardware are prone to failure due to loose connections or crack welds, are less robust, less safe, and more costly, necessitating additional machining or welding operations.
Innovation Solution
A counterweight assembly with a center slab featuring an embedded lifting eye, formed from higher grade steel, integrated monolithically with the slab, enhancing strength and safety, and reducing the risk of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lifting hardware is bolted on or welded on to counterweights, then the counterweight can be assembled from separate components, but the lifting hardware becomes less robust, more prone to failure, and less safe
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting hardware is merged with the counterweight body by embedding it directly into the counterweight during the concrete pouring process. The steel plate with lifting eyes or loops is positioned within the counterweight formwork before concrete is poured, creating a monolithic structure where the lifting hardware becomes an integral part of the counterweight rather than a separate attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If lifting hardware is bolted on or welded on to counterweights, then the counterweight can be assembled from separate components, but additional machining or welding operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting hardware is prepared and positioned in advance within the counterweight formwork before the concrete pouring operation. The steel plate with pre-formed lifting eyes or loops is placed in the correct position and orientation before the concrete is poured, so that the lifting hardware is already integrated into the counterweight structure before leaving the manufacturing site, eliminating the need for subsequent machining or welding operations.
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 embedded lifting eye provides increased robustness, safety, and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for secondary attachments, ensuring reliable and efficient lifting operations.
Implementation Method 1
cutting, with a plasma torch, a laser, or a waterjet, a profile of the counterweight slab from a larger steel slab
Implementation Method 2
cutting, with a plasma torch, a laser, or a waterjet, a profile of the counterweight slab from a larger steel slab
Implementation Method 3
cutting, with a plasma torch, a laser, or a waterjet, a profile of the counterweight slab from a larger steel slab
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a counterweight assembly, for a lifting machine, includes a plurality of counterweight slabs, including first and second outer counterweight slabs, and one or more inner counterweight slabs sandwiched between inner lateral surfaces of the first and second outer counterweight slabs. A center slab, of the one or more inner counterweight slabs, includes a lifting eye embedded in a body of the center slab.