Lifting Apparatus for Portable Building Installation in Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing portable structures in vertically inaccessible locations with limited access are labor-intensive, risky, and inefficient, requiring extensive manual labor and time, especially in challenging environments like coastal piers.
Innovation Solution
A novel lifting apparatus and method utilizing a modular structure with a crane and forklift, featuring a load-transfer block, building support lines, and swivel-hoist rings, allowing for rapid deployment and recovery with minimal personnel and resources, enabling the installation of a standard modular building or container in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual installation methods are used in vertically inaccessible locations, then the installation can be completed, but the installation time and labor requirements increase significantly to 24 man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
A lifting apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device between the crane and the portable structure. This apparatus includes a lower beam with swivel-hoist rings that connect to the structure, and an upper beam with lifting eyes that connect to the crane, enabling efficient lifting and installation in vertically inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus utilizes vertical space by positioning the upper beam above the portable structure and the lower beam below it, creating a three-dimensional lifting configuration that overcomes the vertically inaccessible location constraint
2Ease of operation
If traditional installation methods are used in confined spaces, then the structure can be installed, but the operation becomes extremely labor intensive requiring extensive manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as a lifting mechanism, a positioning device, and a transfer system. The swivel-hoist rings provide both lifting attachment and rotational freedom, while the load-transfer block enables smooth transition of the structure during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel-hoist rings automatically adjust their orientation during the lifting and installation process, eliminating the need for manual alignment. The apparatus self-adjusts to the geometry of the situation, reducing the skill level and effort required by operators
3Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used in vertically inaccessible locations, then the structure can be installed, but the risk to personnel and equipment increases due to the challenging environment
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is pre-assembled and pre-positioned before the actual installation of the portable structure. The crane and forklift are positioned and ready in advance, and the lifting eyes and hoist rings are pre-attached to the apparatus, eliminating the need for personnel to work in the hazardous vertically inaccessible location 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 solution significantly reduces installation time from 24 man-hours to just one hour with three personnel, enhancing safety and efficiency by minimizing labor and resource requirements, and facilitating prompt removal in inclement weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method is disclosed comprising a lifting apparatus, a container or building (hereinafter 'structure') to be installed, an installation site with limited or no direct vertical access, supplemental lifting and load-transfer accompaniments, and heavy lifting equipment such as a crane or forklift
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a weldment having an upper beam, a vertical beam, and a lower beam, wherein the upper beam further comprises at least two lifting eyes and at least one crane hook, and the lower beam further comprises a plurality of swivel-hoist rings and a plurality of forklift pockets, and wherein the lower beam is a length minimally required to locate a structure laterally underneath an upper level of a platform having an upper level and a lower level.