Self-Engaging Hoist Connector Using Cam Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoisting systems require significant manual intervention and precision to attach loads to hoists, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A hoisting system featuring a quick connector with a first and second part, each with a curved surface and pins/indexing channels, allowing for hands-free engagement and disengagement by rotating the parts relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual attachment methods are used, then the hoisting system can attach loads to hoists, but the process requires significant manual intervention and precision, leading to safety risks and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to automatically engage and lock without manual intervention. The load-connected part descends under gravity to engage with the hoist-connected part, and the cam surfaces automatically drive the pins into the indexing channels to secure the connection, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual attachment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between the hoist and the load. It includes a hoist-connected part with pins and a load-connected part with indexing channels, which mediate the connection process by translating vertical descent into rotational engagement, thereby eliminating direct manual handling of heavy loads
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional hook attachment is used, then the load can be attached to the hoist, but significant precision is required to position the hook close to the lifting point
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transforms the positioning problem from a precise horizontal alignment task to a simple vertical descent task. The load-connected part descends vertically along the longitudinal axis, and the cam surfaces automatically convert this vertical motion into rotational motion that guides the pins into the indexing channels, eliminating the need for precise horizontal positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with pins on one part and corresponding indexing channels on the other part. The cam surfaces are pre-shaped to guide the pins into the channels during the engagement process, so that when the load-connected part descends, the engagement geometry is already prepared to automatically achieve proper alignment and locking
3Extent of automation
If remote releasable mechanisms are used, then the load can be released remotely, but the systems still require significant precision to position the hook close to the lifting point
Solution Approach 1:
The connector automatically engages and locks without requiring remote positioning or manual intervention. The self-servicing engagement mechanism uses gravity-driven descent and cam surface geometry to automatically guide the pins into the indexing channels, making remote release mechanisms unnecessary for achieving proper engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A hoisting system including a hoisting apparatus and a connector. The connector including a first part and a second part, one of which is suspended from the hoisting apparatus and the other secured to the load. Each of the first and second parts includes corresponding curved surface that enclose a cylindrical volume. The curved surface of the second part being coaxial but spaced from one another, wherein one of the first part or the second part is provided with a plurality of pins which are spaced around a circumference of and extend radially from the curved surface of the one of the first part or the second part. The curved surface of the other one of the first part or the second part is provided with an indexing channel and a plurality of entry channels.