Hydraulic Ring Lift Device for Deformation-Free Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to prevent deformation of large metal rings during lifting and transfer in manufacturing processes, which can lead to permanent disfigurement or breakage of tack welds, and none address the preservation of the circular shape during handling.
Innovation Solution
A ring lift device with hydraulic spreading and retracting means, featuring lateral clamp arms with rotatable and spreadable wheels, and an overhead suspension system that balances and stabilizes the ring, using grab wheels and a hydraulic drive mechanism to lift and move large metal rings without significant deformation, accommodating variable interior diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamping mechanisms are used to lift and transfer large metal rings, then the rings can be moved from one location to another, but the rings experience significant deformation and the tack welds may break
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device divides the ring into multiple contact zones with three or more independently actuated clamp arms distributed around the ring's circumference. Each clamp arm engages a separate segment of the ring's inner surface, distributing the lifting force to prevent localized deformation that would occur with conventional single-point or two-point clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arms are equipped with contoured gripping surfaces that locally adapt to the ring's inner curvature at each contact point. This local quality matching ensures uniform force distribution across the ring's cross-section, preventing deformation while maintaining secure engagement during lifting and transfer operations.
2Productivity
If the ring is lifted from its side or on a horizontal axis, then it can be moved, but the ring deforms permanently or the tack welds break due to lack of stability
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs multiple clamp arms positioned to create balanced counteracting forces around the ring's circumference. This distributed clamping arrangement acts as a counterweight system that stabilizes the ring during lifting, preventing the tilting and uneven loading that causes deformation when rings are lifted from their sides with conventional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arms are designed with adjustable positioning and independent actuation capabilities, allowing the device to dynamically adapt its gripping configuration to match the ring's specific diameter and structural characteristics. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal stability maintenance throughout the lifting and transfer process.
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 device effectively lifts and transfers large metal rings with minimal deformation, preserving their shape and integrity, suitable for manufacturing and construction processes, ensuring stability and preventing disfigurement or breakage of tack welds.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic spreading and retracting means, the lateral clamp arms clamp onto an inner surface of an upper portion of a welded ring
Implementation Method 2
three rotatable and spreadable wheels on opposing ends of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead lift apparatus defines a frame having tracked lateral clamp arms defining three rotatable and spreadable wheels on opposing ends of the frame activated by a hydraulic spreading and retracting apparatus, the lateral clamp arms clamp onto an inner surface of an upper portion of a welded ring lifting the ring for transfer from one location to another without deformation of the ring, including additional outriggers with additional wheels to expand the diameter size for larger rings, and larger cylindrical vessels.