Hoisting Block Winch Cable Coupling for Sling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a lifting tool, such as a sling, to a load hook on a hoisting block is challenging due to the instability of the work deck caused by waves and wind, making manual handling difficult for heavy and large components, and existing solutions like auxiliary cranes or forklifts occupy valuable space and are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a hoisting block with pulleys and winches driven by electric motors, where winch cables are used to carry and couple the sling to the load hook, with the winch cables being drawn in to secure the sling to the load hook, thereby stabilizing the hoisting block and load hook during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling is used to couple the sling to the load hook, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the difficulty of operation increases due to instability and heavy components
Solution Approach 1:
The hoisting block performs the coupling operation itself by automatically drawing in the winch cable to pull the sling onto the load hook, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining equipment simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical coupling operation is replaced by an automated winch mechanism that uses a cable drawing system to perform the coupling, substituting human labor with a automated mechanical system
2Ease of operation
If auxiliary devices such as sling hoists, auxiliary cranes, or forklifts are used to arrange the lifting tool, then the coupling operation becomes easier, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is merged into the hoisting block itself by integrating the winch mechanism and cable drawing system directly into the existing hoisting block structure, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary devices
Solution Approach 2:
The hoisting block is given multiple functions by adding the winch mechanism that can both lift loads and perform the coupling operation, making the existing equipment multi-functional and eliminating the need for specialized auxiliary devices
3Ease of operation
If auxiliary devices are deployed to perform the coupling operation, then the operation can be completed, but the space occupied on the work deck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is merged into the hoisting block itself, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary devices that would occupy additional space on the work deck
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling operation is extracted from the category of auxiliary devices and integrated into the core hoisting block functionality, removing the spatial requirement for separate coupling equipment
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
This method allows for efficient and stable coupling of the lifting tool to the load hook, reducing operational complexity and space requirements, enhancing control and safety during the lifting process of heavy components, especially in offshore wind turbine installations.
Implementation Method 1
a hoisting block (1) comprising two supports (3) placed at a distance from each other, in which are received pulleys (4) rotatable around a horizontal rotation axis (2)
Implementation Method 2
the winches (9) are driven with an electric motor (91)
Implementation Method 3
the outgoing winch cable (90) is then drawn in with the at least one winch (9) in order to carry the sling (13) to the load-bearing means and couple it to the load-bearing means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
Described is a hoisting block for a crane. The hoisting block comprises an engaging element such as a load hook, to which a lifting tool such as a sling or a hoisting frame can be coupled. The hoisting block is provided with winches, outgoing winch cables of which are configured to carry the lifting tool to the engaging element and couple it to the engaging element. Also described is a crane provided with the hoisting block. The hoisting block can be applied for carrying a lifting tool to an engaging element and coupling it to the load-bearing means, or for stabilizing an engaging element relative to a support structure.