Hinge Securing Device for Heavy Structure Foot Dismantling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dismantling of heavy structures like large metallic pylons is complex and risky due to the need for precise cutting and lifting, which requires multiple operators and can be compromised by wind conditions, with existing methods using pins that may stick or fail, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with a hinge connection between a lower and upper portion, allowing the upper section to be maintained after cutting without pins, using a sliding pivot connection and optional wedges for alignment, facilitating lifting without ground operators and reducing the risk of pin failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pins are used to maintain the upper section after cutting, then the upper section can be held in place, but the pins may stick or fail, posing safety risks and requiring multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pin component entirely from the securing mechanism. Instead of using pins that can fail or stick, the invention employs a pure hinge connection between the lower and upper portions that allows automatic maintenance of the upper section through mechanical linkage alone, eliminating the harmful factor of pin failure
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection is designed to automatically maintain the upper section after cutting without requiring external intervention or operators. The mechanical hinge structure self-regulates to keep the upper portion secured, providing a self-service function that eliminates safety risks associated with manual pin handling
2Ease of operation
If multiple operators are present during lifting operation, then pins can be monitored and adjusted, but the complexity and risk of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection automatically maintains the upper section without requiring operators to monitor or adjust pins during the lifting operation. The mechanical design self-regulates, reducing operational complexity from multiple operators to a simpler automated system
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the pin component entirely and replacing it with a hinge mechanism, the patent eliminates the need for operators to monitor and adjust pins, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of operation through the self-regulating hinge design
3Reliability
If pins are used to secure the foot, then the upper section can be held, but the pins may slip before helicopter arrival, jeopardizing maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the pin component that is prone to slipping over time. The hinge connection provides continuous, stable maintenance of the upper section without the temporal degradation issues that affect pin-based systems, ensuring reliability from installation until helicopter arrival
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection automatically and continuously maintains the upper section without requiring periodic adjustment or monitoring of pins. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent holding reliability throughout the entire time period from installation to helicopter arrival, eliminating the risk of pin slippage
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
This device (14A, 14B) for securing a structural foot (10), for its removal by cutting, comprises a lower portion (16A, 18A, 16B, 18B), equipped with means for attaching it to the structural foot below a cutout area (Z) of the structural foot, and an upper portion (22A, 22B), equipped with means for attaching it to the structural foot above the cutout area. One of the lower and upper portions is integral with a hinge connecting arm (18A, 18B). The other of the lower and upper portions is integral with a receiving ring (22A, 22B) by insertion of the hinge connecting arm.