Hook Device with Self-Aligning Locking Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hook devices require high technical expertise to adjust the relative position between the hook and the cargo's center of gravity, and shifting the center of gravity can lead to bending loads that hinder smooth rotation and potentially break the shaft, especially in time-limited or inexperienced operations.

Innovation Solution

A hook device with a central shaft and multiple locking portions that allow for automatic adjustment of the relative position between the hook and the cargo's center of gravity, featuring a connection member that enables rotation around a different axis, eliminating the need for thrust bearings and allowing independent rotation of single-hooks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a dual-key hook is used to lift cargo, then the hook can handle heavy loads, but it requires high technical expertise to adjust the relative position between the hook and the cargo's center of gravity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload handling capacityVSAvoidposition adjustment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hook device allows the locking portions to rotate independently around the vertical axis, enabling dynamic self-adjustment of the hook's orientation to automatically align with the cargo's center of gravity, eliminating the need for manual position adjustment by operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hook device performs self-alignment through the independent rotation capability of the locking portions, which automatically orient the hook toward the cargo's center of gravity under gravitational force, without requiring external intervention or technical expertise from operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the cargo is lifted with the center of gravity shifted from below the hook shaft, then lifting can proceed quickly, but bending loads cause strong rubbing between the dual-key hook and thrust bearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting speedVSAvoidshaft breakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking portions can rotate independently around the vertical axis, allowing the hook to dynamically self-align with the cargo's center of gravity during lifting operations, ensuring the center of gravity remains positioned below the shaft and preventing bending loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The independent rotation capability of the locking portions provides real-time feedback through gravitational force, automatically adjusting the hook's orientation to maintain proper alignment with the cargo's center of gravity, preventing misalignment-induced bending loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of hook position is required, then precise positioning can be achieved, but it consumes significant time and is difficult to use in time-limited environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hook device automatically positions itself through the independent rotation of locking portions under gravitational influence, achieving precise alignment with the cargo's center of gravity without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming adjustments by operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking portions' ability to rotate independently around the vertical axis enables dynamic self-positioning of the hook, automatically achieving precise alignment with the cargo's center of gravity in real-time during lifting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3604199A1Hook device and crane
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND CONSTR CRANES CO LTD
  • EP3604199A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3604199A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3604199A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a structure capable of automatically adjusting a relative position between a hook device and a center of gravity of a cargo in the hook device including a plurality of locking portions. A hook device includes a central shaft (32) which extends in a first direction, and a first locking portion (34c) and a second locking portion (35c) which are disposed such that the central shaft (32) is interposed therebetween, in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first locking portion (34c) and the second locking portion (35c) are connected to the central shaft in a state where the first locking portion (34c) and the second locking portion (35c) are not rotatable independently around an axis extending in the first direction and are rotatable around an axis extending in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction.