Lifting Assembled Wall Modules Using Ground-Level Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The standard construction methodology for insulated metal panel cladding over a steel stud wall is labor-intensive and poses serious fall risks for workers, with inefficiencies due to the need for aerial construction and heavy gear, leading to prolonged job schedules.

Innovation Solution

A modularized wall system that allows entire wall modules to be constructed at ground level, reducing fall risks and eliminating the need for heavy fall protection, using a lifting apparatus that enables the assembly and lifting of pre-fabricated wall modules into position with minimal crane rigging and boom lift use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard construction methodology is used with aerial construction and boom lifts, then wall modules can be installed on building structures, but workers face serious fall risks and require heavy fall protection gear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safetyVSAvoidfall risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of lifting workers to elevated positions for assembly (aerial construction), the invention inverts the approach by assembling wall modules at ground level on a lift table, then lifting the completed modules to their installation positions. This eliminates the need for workers to work at heights and wear fall protection gear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The construction process is segmented into two distinct phases: ground-level module assembly on the lift table, and elevated module installation using crane lifting. This segmentation separates the hazardous aerial work from the assembly process, allowing workers to perform assembly safely at ground level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If workers use boom lifts and aerial working platforms for construction, then wall modules can be assembled and installed, but workers spend half their time getting into position and labor efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker accessibilityVSAvoidlabor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lift table allows workers to perform preliminary assembly actions at ground level before the module is lifted to its final installation position. This preliminary ground-level assembly eliminates the need for workers to repeatedly access elevated positions during the assembly process, significantly improving labor efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional aerial construction methods are used, then wall modules can be installed, but equipment complexity increases with multiple boom lifts and cranes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction process simplicityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the assembly table and lifting mechanism into a single integrated lift table system that performs both functions. This merged system replaces the need for separate boom lifts and cranes, simplifying the overall equipment requirements while maintaining construction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modularized system improves safety and efficiency by reducing fall risks, minimizing labor costs, and shortening construction schedules, while allowing for better quality control and reduced equipment use, enabling workers to perform tasks quickly and safely at ground level.

Implementation Method 1

the lift table is pivotably connected to the base of the lifting apparatus, and in the second configuration of the lifting apparatus, the lift table is spaced at a first angle from the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge