Modular Crane Attachment for Purlin Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching purlins to steel building rafters require multiple crane lifts, increasing construction time, manpower, and safety hazards, as they involve lifting and placing purlins one by one, which is inefficient and hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A modular crane attachment device that allows for the simultaneous lifting and precise placement of multiple purlins, featuring adjustable J-hooks and a modular design that can be easily assembled and disassembled, enabling the device to accommodate various building sizes and pitches without the need for tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If purlins are lifted and attached one by one using conventional methods, then the crane attachment device is simple, but construction time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of purlins installed per crane liftVSAvoidcomplexity of crane attachment device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crane attachment device is divided into multiple modular units, each capable of holding and positioning a purlin. These modules can be independently assembled and configured based on the specific building requirements, allowing the device to handle multiple purlins simultaneously while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is designed with universal components that can accommodate different purlin sizes, roof pitches, and building configurations. The modular design allows the same basic device to be adapted for various applications by simply reconfiguring the modules, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If multiple purlins are lifted simultaneously using a modular device, then construction time is reduced, but the device requires modular components that need assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrane operation timeVSAvoidease of device assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into standardized modules that can be quickly assembled using simple connection mechanisms. Each module is designed to be self-contained and easily attachable to adjacent modules, allowing rapid configuration without complex manufacturing or assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with dynamic assembly features that allow the device to be configured and reconfigured on-site without tools. The connection mechanisms enable quick attachment and detachment, facilitating rapid deployment and storage of the device between uses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional one-by-one purlin installation is used, then safety hazards are minimized with simple operations, but the number of crane lifts increases exposure to risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during constructionVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple purlin handling operations are merged into a single crane lift by using a modular attachment device that can secure and position multiple purlins simultaneously. This reduces the total number of crane operations and minimizes the time workers are exposed to overhead crane operations, thereby improving safety while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If the crane attachment device is designed for multiple purlins, then precision of purlin placement is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of purlin placementVSAvoidstructural complexity of attachment device

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is distributed across multiple independent modular units, each equipped with its own positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each module to precisely position a single purlin while maintaining a relatively simple individual structure, and the overall precision is achieved through the coordinated action of multiple modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20210171321A1Modular crane attachment device for purlins

Publication Date: 2021.06.10 GENTILE JACOB

AI summary

Modular crane attachment device for purlins is a crane attachment jig that attaches to the hook of a crane and functions to lift a plurality of purlins in one lift to place each purlin at the precise location on the rafters of a building under construction to allow for immediate attachment of all purlins to the rafters wherein each purlin is fastened into place while held by the crane and modular crane attachment device for purlins, which functions as a giant assembly jig in this manner. Modular crane attachment device for purlins is modular so that it can be broken down by hand into a bundle of 10-20 foot long structural members, fittings, and cables. Modular crane attachment device for purlins is modular so it can be assembled in any length and width to fit any application of any number and any length of purlins required for the building.