Flange Clamping Tool Lifter for Fast Multi-Bolt Preloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting and transport devices for flange connections require complex setups and manual effort to preload screw connections, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with multiple adjacent screw connections.
Innovation Solution
A lifting and transport device that allows screw bolts to be inserted from above into flanges, enabling easier nut screwing and tool pre-tensioning from underneath, with a force amplification system using gas pressure cylinders or pulleys to reduce muscle power requirements, and a lever mechanism for easy operation, minimizing space usage and eliminating the need for additional support components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bolts are inserted from below through flange holes, then traditional assembly methods can be used, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive when dealing with multiple adjacent screw connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional assembly sequence by inserting bolts from above instead of from below. This allows the nut to be screwed onto the bolt by hand while the bolt head rests securely on the flange top, eliminating the need to hold the bolt from below or tighten against the bolt's weight. The clamping tool is also inverted to engage with the nut from above, making the entire operation easier and faster.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting and transport device serves as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the engagement and movement of the clamping tool. It provides a stable platform with force amplification that mediates between the operator and the clamping tool, enabling precise positioning and reducing the physical effort required to operate the tool on multiple bolted connections.
2Force
If heavy clamping tools are used for pre-tensioning, then sufficient clamping force can be applied, but manual handling and transportation become labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device incorporates a force amplification mechanism with a mechanical advantage greater than 1, which counteracts the weight of the heavy clamping tool. This allows the operator to lift and position the tool with minimal effort, as the mechanism multiplies the input force to overcome the tool's weight and any additional clamping force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a pneumatic lifting device with a force amplification mechanism to raise the holding device and attached clamping tool from the transport position to the clamping position. This pneumatic system provides the necessary force amplification to handle heavy clamping tools easily, reducing muscle power requirements while maintaining sufficient clamping force.
3Productivity
If a lifting and transport device is designed to accommodate multiple bolted connections, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and transport device is designed as a universal platform that can service multiple bolted connections of different types and positions. The frame structure with longitudinal beams and crossbeams creates a versatile mounting system that can accommodate various clamping tools and reach multiple flange connections, making the device adaptable to different assembly tasks without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular components including a frame with longitudinal beams, crossbeams, multiple holding devices that can be independently positioned, and separate lifting mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the overall system provides comprehensive coverage for multiple bolted connections, reducing complexity through functional decomposition.
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
Enables quick and efficient pre-tensioning of multiple screw connections with reduced manual effort, allowing for easy handling and transportation of heavy clamping tools, while maintaining stability and adaptability to various space conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The force amplification device preferably includes at least one gas pressure cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the force amplification device comprises a pulley system
Implementation Method 3
the lifting device comprises a lever pivotably mounted on the frame about a first pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
1. A lifting and transport device for lifting a load (13) and transporting it transversely to the lifting direction (8), for use in producing a bolted flange connection (35) to bring a clamping tool (13) into a clamping position in which it engages with a bolted connection (18) to be pre-tensioned, or into a transport position in which it is disengaged from a bolted connection and can be transported to the next bolted connection, wherein the flange (36a, 36b) extends horizontally, comprising a frame (2) for receiving and lifting a load (13), a support device (3) for holding the load, wherein the support device is movable relative to the frame in the lifting direction (8), and a lifting device (4) for raising and lowering the support device (3) with the load (13) attached thereto, wherein the frame (2) rests on a first and a second support (5,6) is mounted and the first support (5) is designed to rest against the upper flange (14), the frame (2) is designed to extend from the upper flange (14) along the flange end face (15) to below the lower flange (16), the second support (6) is designed to rest against the upper flange (14) or the flange end face (15), the mounting device (3) is configured to hold the clamping tool (13) with its upwardly directed engagement element (19) below the lower flange (16), and the lifting device (4) is configured to raise the mounting device (3) with the clamping tool (13) attached to it from a lowered transport position to a clamping position.