Lifting Device With Curved Lever Guide For Confined Space Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving bolt tensioning cylinders in confined spaces are strenuous and inefficient, requiring manual handling or the use of ladders or cranes, which are time-consuming and complex, especially when working with heavy cylinders in a way that requires horizontal access.
Innovation Solution
A lifting and transporting device with supports that allow horizontal displacement of loads along walls, featuring a lever system that pivots for easy operation and adjustable handle position, enabling ergonomic manual operation without the need for additional space or tools, and utilizing rollers for stability and low torque derivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling or use of ladders/cranes is used to move bolt tensioning cylinders, then the cylinders can be moved, but the operation becomes extremely strenuous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, with the lever automatically returning to its initial position after use due to its curved guide path. The device serves itself by utilizing the geometric properties of the lever guide to automatically reset, eliminating the need for additional equipment or complex reset mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved guide path acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the lifting action and the lever reset. By designing the guide with a specific curved geometry, the system automatically returns the lever to its starting position after lifting, eliminating the need for manual reset operations.
2Ease of operation
If a ladder is used to grip the bolt tensioning cylinder from above, then access is gained, but additional space above the load is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device transitions the operation from a vertical dimension (requiring space above the load for ladder access) to a horizontal dimension (allowing access from the side). The lever approaches the load horizontally and lifts it vertically, eliminating the need for overhead space while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accessing the load from above using a ladder, the device inverts the approach by accessing the load from the side and lifting it upward. The lever engages the load laterally and then elevates it, reversing the traditional vertical access methodology.
3Ease of operation
If a crane is used to move the bolt tensioning cylinder, then the cylinder can be moved, but the technical complexity becomes extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex crane system entirely, replacing it with a simple lever-based lifting mechanism. By removing the unnecessary complexity of cranes, hoists, and control systems, the solution achieves the same lifting function with minimal components: a lever, a curved guide, and a support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the operational parameters from high-complexity crane operations to simple manual lever manipulation. The curved guide path parameter is specifically designed to provide automatic lever return, transforming a potentially complex reset mechanism into a geometrically-driven automatic operation.
4Ease of operation
If the lifting device is fastened next to the load space, then horizontal access is enabled, but space next to the load is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed with dynamic characteristics where the lever moves through a curved path that allows it to approach the load horizontally, lift it vertically, and automatically return to its starting position. This dynamic operation enables horizontal access functionality while the device footprint remains compact and positioned efficiently next to the load space.
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
Facilitates the ergonomic and efficient movement of heavy loads, such as bolt tensioning cylinders, within confined spaces by allowing horizontal access from one side, reducing the effort required and eliminating the need for additional space or complex equipment, while maintaining stability and adaptability to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a lever (20) which is attached to the frame (2) in a pivotable manner about a first pivot axis (21)
Implementation Method 2
Each support (6, 7) preferably has two sliding elements or two rollers
Data Source
AI summary
Lifting and transport device for lifting a load and transporting it transversely to the lifting direction, comprising a frame (2) extending around a load space (13) of predetermined size for receiving and lifting a load (15), a support device (3) for supporting the load (15), wherein the support device (3) is movable in the lifting direction (9) relative to the frame (2), and a lifting device (4) which is attached to the frame (2) transversely to the lifting direction (9) next to the load space (13), has a section (25) extending on the load space side of the frame (2) to which the support device (3) is attached, and which is configured for lifting and lowering the support device (3) with a load (15) attached thereto, wherein the frame (2) is supported on a first and a second support (5, 6) whose support directions (5a,6a) each run perpendicular to the transport direction (10) and to each other at a predetermined angle and which have a distance to each other both in the lifting direction (9) and perpendicular to the transport direction (10) and to the lifting direction (9), and wherein the supports (5, 6) have sliding elements or rollers (32, 38) which are displaceable or rollable in the transport direction (10).