Hoisting Clamp Tensile Locking for Vertical Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoisting clamps for vertical positioning of objects are complex and require significant human intervention for detachment, lacking simplicity and reliability in use.

Innovation Solution

A hoisting clamp with first and second contact parts connected by a bracket, featuring a locking mechanism that allows for easy clamping and release by tensile force, with contact surfaces adapted to the object's shape for efficient force transmission, and a design that allows the clamp to be slipped over the object's edge for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing hoisting clamps are used to grip objects for vertical positioning, then the objects can be held securely, but the clamps are complex and require significant human intervention for detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure grippingVSAvoiddetachment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hoisting clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: contact parts for gripping, a locking bracket for securing, and a connecting bracket for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall detachment process through independent operation of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically unlock and release the clamping action when the hoisting element is released. Instead of requiring manual intervention to open the clamp, the system inverts the operation: applying tension locks the clamp, and releasing tension automatically detaches it, eliminating the need for complex manual detachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If contact surfaces are made flat and simple, then the clamp structure is simpler, but force transmission to vertical positioning is less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact surface designVSAvoidforce transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surfaces are designed with different geometries optimized for specific functions: the first contact surface has a curved geometry matching the outer surface of tubular sections for optimal force distribution, while the second contact surface is designed to engage with the inner surface. This local optimization of surface geometry enhances force transmission efficiency without requiring complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The first contact surface is designed with a curved geometry that corresponds to the outer surface of tubular sections. This curvature allows for better contact and force distribution when gripping cylindrical objects, improving force transmission efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple clamp structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the clamp design requires precise alignment for secure gripping, then gripping reliability improves, but the clamping operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping securityVSAvoidclamping operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bracket is designed to be displaceable relative to the contact surfaces, allowing it to move into the receiving space formed between the contact surfaces and connecting bracket. This dynamic positioning capability enables the clamp to self-align during the clamping operation, ensuring secure gripping without requiring precise pre-alignment by the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp design allows the locking bracket to automatically position itself during the clamping operation. As the clamp is closed, the locking bracket displaces into the receiving space, creating the secure grip automatically. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual precision alignment, simplifying the clamping operation while maintaining gripping reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The clamp provides a simple, reliable, and efficient means to position objects vertically, with automatic detachment upon tension release, reducing manual intervention and enhancing force transmission through adaptive contact surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping part being operatively movable against an object inserted between the first and second contact surface by exertion of tensile force on the hoisting element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The longitudinal edge can then preferably rest on the connecting bracket when the product is being brought into a vertical position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1953111B1Hoisting clamp and hoisting mechanism provided therewith
Publication Date: 2013.01.02 VAN OORD DREDGING & MARINE CONTRACTORS
  • EP1953111B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP1953111B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP1953111B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1F

AI summary

A hoisting clamp comprising a first and a second contact part, mutually connected by a connecting bracket, the first contact part having a first contact surface and the second contact part having a second contact surface, which contact surfaces face each other and have a mutual distance, while a locking bracket is provided, displaceable relative to at least the first and second contact surface, while on the locking bracket a hoisting element and a clamping part are provided, at a distance from each other, the clamping part being operatively movable against an object inserted between the first and second contact surface by exertion of a tensile force on the hoisting element.