Lifting Tool for Aperture-Defined Textile Packages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Textile packages with internal apertures, commonly used in manufacturing, cannot be lifted by conventional vacuum lift tools due to the lack of a smooth surface for suction cup attachment and their curved outer diameter.

Innovation Solution

A lifting assembly comprising an elongate handle attached to a vacuum lift system and a lifting tool with a connecting end and a lifting end, where the lifting end is insertable into the package's aperture, allowing the vacuum lift system to lift and reposition the package to a desired height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vacuum lift tools with suction cups are used, then smooth surfaces can be effectively lifted, but textile packages with curved surfaces and internal apertures cannot be lifted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to lift different package typesVSAvoidlifting capability on curved surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting tool is divided into multiple lifting elements (first lifting element and second lifting element) that can be positioned at different locations. Each lifting element can engage with different features of the package (aperture and outer surface), allowing the tool to adapt to various package geometries and maintain reliable lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting tool acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the vacuum lift tool and the package with curved surface and aperture. By incorporating multiple lifting elements that can engage with different package features, it mediates the lifting action to accommodate packages that conventional suction cups cannot handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If suction cups are used for attachment, then flat surfaces can be securely held, but packages without smooth surfaces cannot be attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment to packagesVSAvoidcompatibility with odd-shaped products

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into multiple lifting elements with different engagement mechanisms. The first lifting element engages with the aperture while the second lifting element engages with the outer surface, allowing secure attachment to packages with curved surfaces that would be incompatible with conventional suction cups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting tool incorporates multiple lifting elements that can engage with different package features (aperture and outer surface). This multi-functionality allows the same tool to securely attach to various package types including those with curved surfaces, making it universally applicable to odd-shaped products that conventional suction cups cannot handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If textile packages have curved outer diameters and internal apertures, then they are suitable for textile winding, but they cannot be lifted by conventional vacuum lift tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetextile winding capabilityVSAvoidlifting operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting tool is segmented into multiple lifting elements that can independently engage with different package features. This segmentation allows the tool to accommodate the curved outer diameter and internal aperture geometry required for textile winding, while simultaneously providing the lifting capability needed for easy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting tool serves as an intermediary that reconciles the package geometry requirements for textile winding (curved surface and aperture) with the lifting operation requirements. By incorporating multiple lifting elements that can engage with both the aperture and outer surface, it enables easy lifting operation without compromising the package's textile winding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe and efficient lifting of textile packages with internal apertures by utilizing a vacuum lift system, reducing operator effort and risk of damage, and allowing for precise placement on processing apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

vacuum lift system can be used to lift the package

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum force: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

at least a portion of the lifting end of the lifting tool can be inserted into the aperture of the package

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction through aperture: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9950907B2Lifting methods, assemblies and systems

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 COLUMBIA INSURANCE CO

AI summary

An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.