Lift System for Heavy Structural Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crane and jack-up systems for lifting heavy oversized loads require multiple components and significant space, limiting their efficiency and flexibility, especially in congested areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple lifts with bases, towers, elevators, and actuators, including strand jacks or hydraulic pistons, that support heavy loads on opposing sides, allowing for vertical movement and minimizing space under the load, enabling efficient lifting and lowering of large structures like FPSO modules or pipe rack modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional crane or jack-up systems are used to lift heavy oversized loads, then the lifting function is achieved, but multiple components and significant space are required, reducing efficiency and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is divided into multiple independent lift units, each capable of supporting portions of the load. Each lift unit includes a base, tower, elevator, and actuator, allowing the system to handle heavy oversized loads through distributed support points rather than requiring a single complex crane structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional ground-based crane operations to a configuration where lifts are positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the load, enabling vertical lifting while maintaining horizontal accessibility. This dimensional arrangement allows mobile transports to pass underneath the load without obstructing the lifting process.
2Productivity
If jack-up systems are used to lift heavy loads, then the lifting function is achieved, but significant space under the load is required, limiting flexibility in congested areas
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a single large jack-up system positioned under the load, the invention uses multiple lift units positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the load. This segmentation eliminates the need for significant space under the load while maintaining full lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevators act as intermediary components that transfer the lifting force from the actuators through the towers to the load. This intermediary mechanism allows the lifts to be positioned outside the immediate under-load area, freeing up space for mobile transports and other operations.
3Strength
If multiple components are used for lifting heavy loads, then the lifting function is achieved, but operational flexibility is reduced, especially in congested areas
Solution Approach 1:
Each lift unit is designed as a self-contained module with base, tower, elevator, and actuator, making it a universal component that can be deployed in various configurations. These multi-functional units can handle different load sizes and weights while maintaining operational flexibility in congested areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable elevators that can be raised and lowered along the towers, and actuators that can be positioned at different heights. This dynamic configuration allows the lifts to adapt to various load requirements and operational conditions, enhancing versatility without compromising load bearing capacity.
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 system allows for the efficient lifting and placement of heavy loads with reduced space requirements and increased operational flexibility, enabling the use of mobile transports underneath the load for further operations without obstructing the lifting process.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can include a strand jack disposed on the elevator, a strand jack disposed on the tower, a motor disposed on the tower and using a worm gear and a screw bearing, a motor disposed on the elevator and using a worm gear and a screw bearing, one or more linear hydraulic pistons disposed between the elevator and the tower, or a push-pull jack disposed on the elevator.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is used for lifting a heavy oversized structural element. At least two opposing lifts are placement adjacent opposing sides of the element. Each lift includes a base, a tower, an elevator, and an actuator. The tower extending vertically from the base, and the elevator is disposed on the tower. A support extends from the elevator outward from the tower to engage a point on the element. A guide of the elevator is configured to ride along a rail of the tower. The actuator is connected to the elevator and is configured to move with the elevator vertically along the tower. The actuator can include a strand jack disposed on the elevator. Hydraulic operation of the stand jack moves the jack and elevator along a strand extending along the tower. The arrangements of the lifts leave space below the raised element free for access to other operations.