Foldable Slab Lifting Frame With Detachable Suction Cups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slab lifting devices for large-sized slabs are bulky, complex, and costly, discouraging their use due to infrequent application, while current solutions that reduce size increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A slab lifting device with foldable longitudinal bars and detachable gripping suction cups, allowing for easy reconfiguration and reuse, featuring a simple and robust structure with interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known lifting devices are used to lift large-sized slabs, then the slabs can be transported safely, but the devices are bulky and represent tool immobilization that operators find difficult to justify
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is divided into separate modular components: a frame structure and detachable suction cup assemblies. This segmentation allows the suction cups to be removed and stored separately, reducing the bulkiness of the device when not in use while maintaining the complete functionality for safe slab transport when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The suction cups can be detached and reattached, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on usage needs, thereby reducing immobilization while preserving lifting capability.
2Strength
If lifting devices with fixed structure are used, then they provide robust lifting capability, but they increase complexity and cost when components cannot be reused for other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup assemblies are designed as detachable modules that can be separated from the frame. This allows the frame to be reused for different lifting applications while the suction cups can be transferred to other suitable frames, reducing overall system complexity and cost through component reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed with universal mounting points and a standardized configuration that can accommodate different suction cup assemblies. This universality allows the same frame to be used with different suction cups for various slab sizes and applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Device complexity
If suction cups are permanently attached to the lifting device, then the structure is simplified, but the components cannot be easily detached and reused for other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between suction cups and the frame is designed as a detachable interface rather than a permanent attachment. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity during use while enabling easy detachment and reusability of the suction cup components for other applications.
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 device provides a compact, economical, and robust lifting solution that optimizes investment by reducing size during transport and enabling easy detachment and repositioning of components for versatile use.
Implementation Method 1
suction cups designed to grip the flat surface of the slab
Implementation Method 2
suction cups designed to grip the flat surface of the slab at positions appropriately distributed around its center of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A slab lifting device (1, 200) is disclosed, comprising: at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b), a plurality of connection means (5a-d, 203a-d, 204, 205) configured to be coupled to said at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b, 201a, 201b) and to gripping suction cups (V), wherein said at least one longitudinal bar (3a, 3b) comprises at least a first segment (30) and a second segment (31), which are joined to each other by hinge connecting elements (6).