Self-Actuating Lifting Clamp for Shifting Gravity Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for lifting and handling construction panels, particularly in wooden frame constructions, are inefficient and hazardous due to the need for manual manipulation and the use of slings, which are costly and pose safety risks, especially when dealing with panels that have a shifting center of gravity.
Innovation Solution
A lifting clamp designed to grip closed panels by tightening on their two opposite side faces, allowing for parallel lifting while ensuring secure holding and easy repositioning, with minimal operator manipulation and optional remote control operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional slinging elements (straps, hooks) are attached directly to panels, then panels can be lifted and handled, but this requires pre-positioning elements which incurs significant cost in equipment and production time, and these elements are difficult to move on panels making the method not adaptable when panel center of gravity shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting clamp is designed to automatically self-adjust and self-position on the panel. When the clamp approaches the panel, its weight causes the jaws to naturally close and grip the panel surface. The system then automatically balances itself around the panel's center of gravity without requiring manual repositioning or additional equipment, making it adaptable to panels with shifting centers of gravity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional slinging methods are used, then panels can be lifted, but attaching and detaching panels requires numerous handling steps and often necessitates the presence of an operator near sling attachment and removal points, leading to use of aerial work platforms, ladders, etc., further increasing cost and risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical slinging methods with a self-actuating lifting clamp system. The clamp uses its own weight and automatic balancing mechanics to grip and lift panels without requiring operators to manually attach slings or position equipment. This eliminates the need for aerial work platforms and ladders, significantly improving safety while simplifying operation.
3Reliability
If lifting clamp exerts clamping force on panel, then panel can be securely held, but excessive force may cause crushing or puncture of panel
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting clamp is designed with jaws whose surface area and clamping force parameters are specifically optimized for the panel material being handled. The clamp's weight and jaw geometry are calibrated to exert sufficient force to securely hold the panel during lifting while remaining below the threshold that would cause crushing or puncture damage to the panel structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Lifting clamp for closed panels, comprising: - a first jaw element (6) including: a body (13); a clamping head (14); and a jaw (5); - a second jaw element (7) including: a body (16); a clamping head (17); and a jaw (5); - a flexible cable (8); the second jaw element (7) being connected to the first jaw element (6) by means of a pivot joint around a clamping axis (19), and which is movable along a slide (11) extending over the body (13) of the first jaw element (6).