Mechanical Load Transfer Assembly Without Hydraulic Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems for transferring structural loads in construction and similar industries are cumbersome, prone to fluid leakage, and suffer from slower reactive forces due to component expansion, leading to energy loss. Additionally, these systems often require complex auxiliary components and may necessitate undesirable lifting maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A high-capacity, mechanical load transfer apparatus that utilizes a load-bearing housing with a ram and an integrated actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes tension rods and mechanical tensioning actuators, such as screw actuators, to translate the ram between retracted and advanced positions, effectively transferring structural loads without hydraulic fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic systems are used for transferring structural loads, then lifting force can be exerted, but the systems become cumbersome and require many auxiliary components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic fluid system entirely, replacing it with a pure mechanical screw jack mechanism. This removes hoses, seals, motors, and other hydraulic auxiliary components while retaining the core lifting function through mechanical advantage in the screw thread design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the hydraulic mechanical system with a direct mechanical screw jack system. The screw thread mechanism provides the necessary mechanical advantage and lifting force without requiring hydraulic fluid pressure, thereby eliminating the complexity of hydraulic components
2Force
If hydraulic systems are used for transferring structural loads, then lifting capability is achieved, but fluid leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a mechanical screw jack system that has no fluid components. The screw thread mechanism translates rotational motion into linear lifting motion through solid mechanical contact, eliminating the possibility of fluid leakage entirely while maintaining lifting capability
3Force
If hydraulic systems are used for transferring structural loads, then lifting force is generated, but reactive forces are slower due to component expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the hydraulic system with a mechanical screw jack that provides immediate reactive force through direct mechanical engagement. The screw thread mechanism eliminates the compliance and expansion delays inherent in hydraulic hoses and seals, delivering faster reactive forces and reducing energy loss
4Force
If hydraulic systems are used for transferring structural loads, then load transfer is achieved, but the structure must be lifted further to release locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mechanical screw jack system with self-locking features inherent to the screw thread geometry. The high friction in the screw threads prevents back-driving, allowing the load to be held without additional locking components. The system can be lowered by simply reversing the screw rotation, eliminating the need for complex release mechanisms
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 mechanical load transfer apparatus achieves efficient and reliable transfer of structural loads with higher capacity and faster reactive forces compared to traditional hydraulic systems. It reduces energy loss and eliminates the need for complex hydraulic components, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Each screw mechanism includes a first threaded component vertically fixed relative to the tension rod and in threaded engagement with a second threaded component vertically fixed relative to one of the piston and the housing. The first and second threaded components are rotatable relative to each other for exerting the tensioning force.
Data Source
AI summary
A load transfer apparatus for transferring a structural load includes: (a) a load-bearing frame including a first plate, a second plate spaced vertically apart from the first plate and having an opening coaxial with the vertical axis, and a vertical support between and coupling the first and second plates; (b) an intermediate plate slidably mounted to the frame vertically intermediate the first and second plates for engagement with the structural load through the opening in the second plate; and (c) an integrated actuator assembly including: (i) a plurality of tension rods extending vertically between and coupling the intermediate plate and the second plate, and (ii) a plurality of mechanical tensioning actuators integrated with respective tension rods. Each tensioning actuator is operable to exert a tensioning force across a respective tension rod to pull the intermediate plate towards the second plate for transfer of the structural load through the apparatus.