Galvanized Sheet Metal Lifting Structure for Air Handler Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient and cost-effective method to lift and position air handler units (AHU) on roofs without relying on structural steel and welded bases, which are expensive and prone to torsion resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
A lifting structure made of formed sheet metal, bolted together in a 'box in box' design, providing strength in all moment directions, with removable lifting brackets that allow for safe attachment to rigging equipment and counterweighting, enabling the lifting of heavier units without base rail yielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural steel and welded bases are used, then strength and torsion resistance are achieved, but cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from structural steel to formed sheet metal, and changes the joining method parameter from welding to bolting. This achieves the same strength and torsion resistance requirements while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, as bolting is easier and cleaner than welding sheet metal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite lifting base structure using multiple sheet metal components (base channels, lifting brackets, splice collars) fastened together with fasteners. This composite construction achieves the required structural integrity through the combined action of multiple components rather than requiring a single welded steel structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lifting brackets are permanently attached, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lifting base into separate modular components (base channels, lifting brackets, splice collars) that are connected through fasteners rather than permanent welding. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced, repaired, or reconfigured while maintaining overall structural integrity, thereby improving adaptability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamically adjustable structure where lifting brackets can be attached, detached, and repositioned using fasteners. This dynamic connection system allows the structure to be adapted to different lifting configurations and facilitates easy repair by removing and replacing components as needed.
3Strength
If base channels are made as single long pieces, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of manufacture and handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides long base channels into shorter, more manageable sections that can be easily manufactured, handled, and transported. These segmented sections are connected using splice collars with fasteners, creating a modular system that maintains the required structural strength while dramatically improving ease of manufacture and handling compared to single long pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nested splice collars that fit within the base channel structure to join sections together. The splice collars are positioned inside the channel geometry, creating a compact nested arrangement that maintains structural integrity while allowing easy assembly and disassembly of the modular sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A base/lifting structure, includes a base frame assembly and a plurality of readily removable lifting bracket channels, the base frame assembly and a plurality of readily removable lifting bracket channels each having structural elements, the structural elements being formed of galvanize sheet metal formed in a C-shape cross section, the structural elements being selectively utilized in the base frame assembly singly and in pairs. A method of forming a base/lifting structure is further included.