Generator Canopy Lifting System with Removable Spanning Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing canopy designs for machines like generator sets require separate production for single and double-point lifting systems, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for additional structural strength in single-point systems.

Innovation Solution

A canopy with a pair of opposed upright lifting frame members and a removable spanning member that can be connected between them, allowing conversion between two-point and single-point lifting systems, enabling a single canopy to serve multiple configurations without external modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single-point lifting system is provided, then lifting capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional structural strength requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is segmented into a permanent two-point lifting configuration and a removable single-point spanning member. The spanning member can be added or removed based on lifting requirements, allowing the base structure to maintain simpler two-point lifting strength while providing single-point capability when needed through the附加 spanning member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting system transitions from a static single-point design to a dynamic configuration where the spanning member can be removed. This allows the structure to adapt between single-point and two-point lifting modes, providing single-point strength only when required rather than permanently, thus reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate canopies are produced for single and double-point lifting systems, then lifting requirements are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting configuration optionsVSAvoidnumber of canopy variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single canopy design serves multiple lifting functions by incorporating both permanent upright lifting frame members for two-point lifting and a removable spanning member that enables single-point lifting. This universal design eliminates the need for separate canopy variants while maintaining both lifting capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting configuration dynamically changes based on the presence or removal of the spanning member. The same physical canopy structure adapts between single-point and two-point lifting modes, providing versatility without requiring multiple static canopy designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If lifting eyes are provided in a recess, then stacking capability is improved, but access for modification becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking capabilityVSAvoidaccess for modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spanning member and single-point lifting eye are extracted as a separate removable component rather than being permanently integrated into the recess. This allows the recess to maintain its stacking function while the removable spanning member can be easily accessed through canopy openings for installation or removal without compromising stacking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2423145B1Canopy for a machine
Publication Date: 2013.06.12 CUMMINS POWER GENERATION LTD
  • EP2423145B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2423145B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2423145B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A canopy for a machine such as a generator set has a pair of upright lifting strops (10) for attaching to a pair of lifting eyes. The canopy also has a removable spanning member (18) connectable between the strops for attachment to a single lifting eye (23). Thus the canopy can be adapted for single or double point lifting depending upon customer requirement.