Load Gripper Remote Release via Seesaw Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load grippers require manual intervention to detach from loads, especially when handling large or heavy items, and complex crane setups are necessary to release loads remotely.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces two selectable points of application for the lifting force, with one on the load lifting eye and another on a release part connected via a seesaw mechanism, allowing for remote release using a crane, and incorporates a carrier and rocker system to manage lateral forces, enabling the load gripper to be released without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to detach the load gripper from the load, then the release process is simple, but it requires a person to be directly at the load gripper which increases costs and reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a release lever as an intermediary mechanical component that mediates between the cone-wedge system and the external releasing force. The lever converts lateral forces applied at a distance into axial forces that push the cone into the load, enabling remote release without direct manual intervention at the gripper location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex pneumatic or hydraulic release mechanisms with a simple mechanical lever system. This mechanical substitution maintains the ability to perform remote release while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for complex crane connections
2Reliability
If the crane hook pulls upwards at the load-bearing eye, then the load gripper grips the load, but lateral forces may cause the gripper to tilt and become jammed in the bore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a lateral dimension to the release mechanism by introducing a release lever that receives forces perpendicular to the cone's axis. This allows the releasing force to be applied in a different dimension (laterally at a distance) while still producing the necessary axial motion through mechanical leverage, enabling release even when the crane applies upward force at the load-bearing eye
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 simple and efficient release of the load gripper from loads using a crane, reducing manual effort and complex crane connections, while ensuring reliable detachment even with strong lateral forces.
Implementation Method 1
Friction against the bore's surface prevents the wedges from also being moved towards the opening. The resulting relative movement between the expanding cone and wedges causes the wedges to be pressed radially outwards against the bore's surface, wedged in place.
Implementation Method 2
When the expanding cone is moved parallel to its axis relative to the expanding wedges in the direction where its smaller end face is at the front, the expanding wedges are pushed radially away from the axis of the expanding cone by the cylindrical surface of the cone.
Implementation Method 3
The design introduces two selectable points of application for the lifting force, with one on the load lifting eye and another on a release part connected via a seesaw mechanism, allowing for remote release using a crane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a load gripper (3, 25) for engaging a bore (2) in a load (1), wherein the load gripper has a spreading cone (5) and spreading wedges (6) arranged around it, which can be displaced radially outwards by axial relative displacement of the spreading cone (5) with respect to the axis (8) of the spreading cone (5) and can thereby be clamped to the outer surface of the bore (2), wherein the spreading cone (5) is connected in a tensile-resistant manner to a load-bearing eye (4), which is suitable as a point of application for the lifting force by a crane. The load grab (3) has a second point of application for the lifting force by a crane, wherein this point of application is located on a release part (7) which has a contact surface (24) in common with the spreading wedges (6), on which the spreading wedges (6) bear against the release part (7) from above with a surface part, and which is freely movable upwards relative to the spreading cone (5).