Lifting Device with Movable Loop for Pole Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices are inadequate for safely and efficiently moving poles between horizontal and vertical positions, particularly failing to control the movement of poles with varying diameters or branches, and often require manual tightening, which can lead to accidents when reversing the pole's position.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a frame and movable parts that form a closed or open loop, featuring a closing mechanism that can be activated from a distance using a flexible member, allowing for precise control and safe operation, including attachment to a powered lifter and balancing elements for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed grip lifting device is used to move a pole from horizontal to vertical position, then the pole can be supported and moved in a controlled manner, but the device cannot be used to lower the pole safely and the loose end of the flexible member may get caught or be pulled accidentally causing the pole to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device incorporates movable parts that can transition between different positions (open and closed loop configurations) to adapt to both raising and lowering operations. The movable part moves along a linear track between a first position (closed loop) and a second position (open loop), enabling the device to dynamically change its configuration based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is divided into a frame and at least one movable part that can independently move between positions. This segmentation allows the movable part to be positioned separately to form either a closed loop for raising or an open loop for lowering, providing versatility while maintaining safety through controlled positioning.
2Device complexity
If manual tightening of the flexible member is required, then the device can be simple in structure, but the operation becomes complex and dangerous requiring personnel to be close to the pole
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical tightening operations with a powered lifter system that automatically controls the flexible member. The powered lifter winds or pays out the flexible member to move the movable part between positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing operators to control the device from a safe distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered lifter acts as an intermediary between the operator and the movable part. Instead of directly manipulating the flexible member, the operator controls the powered lifter which in turn manipulates the flexible member and movable part, providing safe remote operation while maintaining precise control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable part is made of flexible material to allow easy movement, then the device can adapt to varying pole diameters, but the loop cannot be precisely closed from a distance and control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable part is designed to move dynamically between defined positions along a linear track, transitioning from an open loop configuration to a closed loop configuration. This dynamic positioning system, guided by the frame's linear track, ensures precise placement of the movable part at the closing position, enabling accurate loop formation from a distance while accommodating various pole diameters through the powered adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lifting device to be used when poles, such as a mast for a sailing ship, a Christmas tree, a pole for supporting wires or the like, are either raised to a vertical position or laid down to a horizontal position, i.e. the lifting device may be used both when a pole is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position and when a pole is brought from a vertical to a horizontal position. The invention relates to a lifting device comprising a frame (1), at least one movable part (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) configured to have at least two positions, a first position where the movable part(s) alone or together with the frame (1) forms a closed loop and a second position where the movable part(s) alone or together with the frame (1) forms an open loop providing an opening allowing a pole to exit or enter into the loop. Further, the device comprises a closing mechanism (4) comprising means for attaching, fixing or connecting the closing mechanism (4) to the at least one movable part (2), and a release mechanism (3) comprising means for attaching, fixing or connecting the release mechanism (3) to the at least one movable part(s) (2) and means for activating the release mechanism (3) from a distance; and fastening means (10) fixing the lifting device to the pole at an operational position. Further, each movable part is made of one or more rigid pieces forming a non-flexible part and the closing mechanism (4) may comprise means for activating the closing mechanism (4) from a distance.