Lifting Ring Positioning Spring for Shackle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotating lifting rings fail to maintain the shackle in a desired angular position without requiring pivoting of the fixing screw, leading to potential excessive forces and risk of tightening or loosening, especially when the direction of the lifting force is inclined.

Innovation Solution

A positioning spring is fixed on the projecting radial axes of the lifting ring, exerting pressure on the shackle to hold it in a desired angular position, resisting gravity and allowing manual adjustment and alignment during lifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shackle is allowed to pivot freely on the projecting radial axes, then the shackle can automatically fall back under its own weight, but the shackle cannot remain in a given angular position and excessive forces may be applied to the fixing screw

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic return positionVSAvoidfixing screw stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning spring applies a preliminary counteracting force to the gravitational pivoting moment, creating a pre-balanced system that resists automatic rotation while allowing controlled movement. The spring force is calibrated to counteract the weight-induced moment, preventing the shackle from freely falling back while maintaining the ability to be repositioned manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring constant and pre-compression of the positioning spring are carefully selected to change the system's mechanical parameters. The spring provides sufficient force to counteract gravity at the desired angular position, creating a stable equilibrium point that maintains reliability while preserving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a positioning spring is added to hold the shackle in a desired angular position, then the shackle can maintain stable positioning, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshackle position stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a positioning element to maintain the shackle at the desired angular position, a counterbalancing element to offset gravitational effects, and a damping element to reduce vibrations. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several benefits from a single element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning spring is designed to be self-adjusting and self-regulating. It automatically adapts to the shackle's position and the applied loads, providing continuous stabilization without requiring external control mechanisms or additional actuators, thereby limiting the increase in operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the positioning spring exerts strong pressure on the shackle, then the shackle is held firmly in position, but manual adjustment by an operator becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition holding forceVSAvoidmanual repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning spring is designed to exert sufficient force to maintain stability under normal operating conditions, but not excessive force that would prevent manual adjustment. The spring constant is selected to provide adequate holding force for the expected load range while allowing operators to overcome the spring force with reasonable effort for repositioning when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 positioning spring effectively prevents gravitational pivoting of the shackle, allowing it to be maintained in a specific position without creating torque on the fixing screw, ensuring stable operation and alignment with the lifting force direction.

Implementation Method 1

at least one positioning spring is fixed on a first of the projecting radial axes of the body and exerts pressure on the shackle so as to create a force allowing the latter to be held in a desired angular position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The positioning spring thus produces a force preventing the gravity pivoting of the shackle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3019430B1Lifting ring
Publication Date: 2017.05.24 INTELPROP SA
  • EP3019430B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3019430B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a lifting bolt (10), comprising a body (12) and a screw fastened element (14) extending in a bore in said body (12) to enable the body (12) of said lifting bolt (10) to rotate on the screw fastened element (14) about a relative axis of rotation, said body (12) having two projecting radial pins (20, 20'') about which a shackle (18) pivots. A locating spring (38) is fastened on one or both of the radial pins (20, 20'') projecting from the body in such a way as to exert a retaining force onto the shackle (18).