Load Handling Device with Visual Anchoring Indicator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual screwing and verification of lifting rings on loads can lead to insufficient anchoring, risking the load to be torn off during lifting operations.

Innovation Solution

A load handling device with a set of screws featuring a first and second tightening indicator element, elastic return means, and distinct color coding to visually confirm sufficient anchoring, ensuring the load is securely fixed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual screwing and verification of lifting rings is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of anchoring is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting ring assembly performs self-verification of proper installation through the indicator mechanism. The system automatically displays whether the screw is sufficiently anchored without requiring external verification tools or complex procedures, making the object serve its own verification function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator element uses color changes (red when insufficient, green when sufficient) to provide immediate visual feedback on anchoring status. This allows operators to quickly verify proper installation without technical expertise, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and reliable verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If manual verification of screw anchoring is performed, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision of anchoring depth is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring depth verificationVSAvoidease of verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement and verification procedures with an automatic mechanical indicator system. The indicator mechanism automatically translates screw insertion depth into visible positional feedback, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure or estimate anchoring depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator element provides immediate visual feedback on anchoring status through its positional response to screw insertion. The system continuously monitors and displays whether the screw has reached the sufficient anchoring depth, allowing operators to verify installation quality without complex measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If visual indicator system is implemented, then the reliability of anchoring verification is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator system is segmented into simple functional components: the indicator element with distinct visual regions and the elastic return means. This segmentation allows complex verification functionality to be achieved through simple, independent parts that can be manufactured and assembled using standard processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic return means acts as an intermediary between the screw anchoring mechanism and the visual indicator. It translates the mechanical state of screw insertion into reliable positional feedback for the indicator element, ensuring consistent and accurate verification without requiring complex direct coupling.

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

Quickly and visually verifies the anchoring depth of the screw, preventing loads from tearing off during lifting by ensuring proper fixation, with the second tightening indicator element providing protection against shocks and clear visual cues for sufficient anchoring.

Implementation Method 1

elastic return means, said elastic return means being interposed between the first tightening indicator element and the second tightening indicator element and having the effect of biasing the second tightening indicator element into abutment against the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2751011B1Device for handling a load
Publication Date: 2015.04.15 AIRCELLE SA
  • EP2751011B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2751011B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2751011B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for handling a load (C), including a screw assembly provided with a gripping means and capable of connecting to said load. The handling device is characterised in that it includes: a first screwing indicator element (6) secured to said screw assembly; a second screwing indicator element (7) translatably movable relative to said first element; and a resilient return means (16). Said resilient return means (16) is inserted between the first screwing indicator element (6) and the second screwing indicator element (7), and has the effect of returning the second screwing indicator element (7) such that the latter engages with the load (C), such that the coincidence of the two screwing indicator elements indicates that the handling device (1) is sufficiently screwed onto said load (C).