Flexible Securing Link With Detection Unit For Pile Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing means for civil engineering elements, such as piles, lack a reliable mechanism to ensure consistent and correct fastening to construction machines, leading to safety risks due to potential uncontrolled falls during operation or removal, especially when hydraulic clamping fails.
Innovation Solution
A securing means featuring a flexible securing element with a detection unit that verifies the correct fastening of a connecting link to the construction machine, generating signals for correct or incorrect attachment, which can activate alarms or restrict machine operation until proper fastening is achieved, incorporating a proximity sensor and adjustable locking bolt for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a securing chain is used to fasten civil engineering elements to construction machines, then the element can be retained during operation, but there is no reliable verification mechanism to ensure correct fastening, leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection unit that provides feedback on the fastening status of the connecting link to the connecting means. This feedback mechanism verifies whether the securing chain is correctly fastened, allowing operators to be alerted if fastening is incorrect, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical fastening verification with a detection unit that can identify fastening status. This substitution of mechanical verification with sensing/detection technology enables reliable verification of correct fastening while keeping the overall system relatively simple
2Productivity
If hydraulic clamping means are used to secure piles, then efficient clamping is achieved, but hydraulic system failures can cause uncontrolled release and pile falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a securing chain with detection unit as a pre-prepared safety mechanism that activates if hydraulic clamping fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if the hydraulic system malfunctions, the securing chain can prevent uncontrolled pile falls, thereby maintaining safety while preserving hydraulic clamping efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The securing chain acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the hydraulic clamping system and the pile. It provides a mechanical backup that mediates the risk of hydraulic failure, ensuring that the pile remains secured even if the primary hydraulic clamping system fails
3Ease of operation
If manual attachment of securing chains is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human error can lead to incorrect or forgotten fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit provides immediate feedback to operators on whether the securing chain is correctly attached. This feedback mechanism eliminates human error by alerting operators to incorrect or incomplete fastening, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while ensuring reliable fastening correctness
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
Ensures a high degree of occupational safety by ensuring the correct and secure attachment of civil engineering elements to construction machines, preventing accidents and material damage by alerting operators and controlling machine operations based on fastening status.
Implementation Method 1
A detection unit provided on the connecting means, in particular comprising a proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing means and a method for securing a civil engineering element to a construction machine by means of a flexible securing element, wherein a first end of the flexible securing element is attached to the construction machine and a second end is provided with a connecting link which can pass through a securing lug on the civil engineering element and can be releasably fastened to the construction machine by a connecting means. According to the invention, a detection unit is provided on the connecting means, which detection unit is designed for identifying fastening of the connecting link to the connecting means. The detection unit can generate and output a signal if fastening of the connecting link is identified.