Laminated Spine Assembly for Adjustable Lifting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices face challenges in efficiently transferring clamping force along a horizontal axis to lift a variety of objects, such as logs, pipes, and debris, particularly in adjusting to uneven or non-parallel surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with tong arms coupled to a laminated spine assembly, featuring load-engaging feet with teeth for indexing and a cyclic latching mechanism, allowing for horizontal movement and adjustment of pads to securely grip objects, and a mechanism for locking the feet to the spine assembly, enabling effective clamping and lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid fixed-position clamping structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different object shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spine assembly where the spine members are slidable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the clamping structure to adapt its configuration. The feet can also slide along the spine members, enabling the device to adjust to various object shapes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnected rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is divided into multiple independent segments including multiple spine members, multiple feet, and individual clamping pads. Each segment can move independently along the longitudinal axis, allowing the structure to conform to different object geometries while maintaining overall structural strength through the coordinated movement of segmented components.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed clamping structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust to uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sliding mechanisms that allow the feet to move along the spine members and the spine members to slide relative to each other. This dynamic capability enables easy adjustment to uneven surfaces and various object configurations without requiring complex manufacturing, as the sliding mechanisms use simple guide ways and engagement features.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spine members are fixed relative to each other, then structural stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to quickly adapt to different loads
Solution Approach 1:
The spine members are designed to slide relative to each other along predetermined paths, allowing rapid reconfiguration of the clamping structure to accommodate different load sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains structural stability during operation while enabling quick adaptation between different lifting tasks, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with multiple independently movable feet and spine members allows each component to adjust to the specific load configuration while maintaining overall structural stability. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration for different loads without compromising the stability of the clamping structure during the lifting operation.
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 transfers clamping force along a horizontal axis, allowing for secure lifting and adjustment to accommodate different object shapes and sizes, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of the lifting process.
Implementation Method 1
tong arms are coupled to a spine assembly comprising parallel laminated horizontal members that slide in opposition to each other via the input of force from the tong arms
Implementation Method 2
The load-engaging feet include a lever, switch or the like for engaging a tooth block in each foot with the opposing teeth of the horizontal spine members
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device is disclosed in which tong arms are coupled to parallel laminated horizontal spine members that slide in opposition to each other via input of force from the tong arms. The horizontal spine members are coupled to load-engaging feet to transfer the force of the tong members to a given load. The horizontal spine members include teeth or the like along a horizontal axis for engagement and indexing of the load-engaging feet.