Gripper Element for Gas Cylinder Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cylinder gripping elements are not ergonomically or safely optimized for lifting and moving heavy gas cylinders, often leading to injuries and damage due to inadequate leverage and contact pressure, with existing solutions having suboptimal lever ratios and wear issues.
Innovation Solution
A gripping element with curved clamping blocks and adjustable handles that apply high contact pressure to the gas cylinder, allowing secure lifting and moving with minimal leverage, featuring a two-part design with a clamping jaw and rubber linings for improved grip and adaptability to different cylinder diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting is used to move gas cylinders, then the lifting process can be performed without additional equipment, but the risk of injury and damage increases due to heavy weight and inadequate grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lifting device as an intermediary between the user and the gas cylinder. This device includes a bracket that wraps around the cylinder and handles that transfer the lifting force, mediating the interaction to reduce direct manual handling risks and prevent injuries from improper lifting techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed to be self-adjusting through its articulated mechanism. As the handles are pulled upward, the bracket automatically adjusts its position and the contact surfaces maintain optimal contact with the cylinder wall, allowing the device to adapt to different cylinder sizes and positions without requiring precise manual adjustment
2Device complexity
If existing lifting devices with fixed lever ratios are used, then the structure is simple, but the lifting force is not optimal and contact pressure is insufficient leading to wear and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including articulated connections between the bracket and handles, and movable contact surfaces that can adjust their position. This dynamic design allows the lever ratio and contact pressure to adapt during the lifting process, optimizing grip stability and distributing wear more evenly compared to fixed rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device allows for changes in geometric parameters during operation. The articulated mechanism enables the lever arms to change length and angle as the cylinder is lifted, dynamically adjusting the mechanical advantage and contact pressure to maintain optimal gripping conditions throughout the lifting motion
3Productivity
If gas cylinders are moved by rolling or tilting, then the transport can be performed without lifting equipment, but safety risks increase and the cylinders may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device acts as an intermediary that enables safe vertical transport without requiring the cylinder to be rolled or tilted. The bracket and handle system mediates the transfer of the heavy cylinder, allowing one or two persons to safely move it without the harmful effects of rolling or improper tilting that could damage the cylinder or cause injury
4Productivity
If improper lifting techniques are used, then the lifting process is faster, but spine injuries may occur due to incorrect body mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device serves as a mechanical intermediary that handles the heavy load, allowing users to maintain proper body mechanics. The handles are positioned to allow lifting with straight backs and proper posture, and the device bears the primary load rather than the user's spine, enabling faster lifting without injury risk
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 safe and ergonomic lifting and moving of gas cylinders by one person, minimizing the risk of injury and damage, with a favorable leverage ratio and adjustable design that extends the lifespan of the gripping element.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting force is created which acts as a contact pressure between the rubber linings of the lifting device and the gas cylinder wall. This allows the gas cylinder to be securely held by the lifting device
Implementation Method 2
a contact surface designed as a rubber covering for contact with the gas bottle wall is provided on the short leg of the L
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Gripping element (100) in which the gas cylinder body (18) can be clamped between two clamping pads (10,11) of the gripping element. The clamping pads can be pressed to the gas cylinder body. Each of the clamping pads is provided with a handle (13,14) which experiences upward movement by a lifting force (20).