Pipe Flange Lifting Apparatus with Movable Support Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for attaching and lifting pipeline flanges are time-consuming, inaccurate, and pose safety risks, with a high risk of apparatus bending or warping, leading to potential installation failures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe flange lifting apparatus featuring a movable support member that can be moved along a threaded rod, allowing for controlled tilting and maneuvering of the flange, which is attached to a hoist via flange attachment arms, preventing warping and improving installation precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional welding or strap methods are used to attach hoisting equipment to flanges, then the flange can be lifted, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting lugs are pre-welded to the flange during manufacturing, so the attachment mechanism is already in place before the flange is installed on the pipeline. This eliminates the need for on-site welding or strap attachment, reducing both installation time and safety risks associated with these operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting lug serves as an intermediary component between the flange and the hoisting equipment. Instead of directly attaching straps or chains to the flange (which creates safety risks), the lifting lug provides a dedicated, structurally sound attachment point that simplifies the hoisting process and eliminates time-consuming on-site modifications.
2Weight of moving object
If heavy flanges are lifted using traditional apparatus, then the flange can be moved, but the apparatus may bend or warp due to the heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is segmented into multiple components: the lifting lug attached to the flange, the shackle connecting the lug to the hoist, and the hoist itself. This segmentation distributes the heavy flange weight across multiple structurally sound components rather than relying on a single apparatus that may bend or warp under the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting lug is designed with a specific geometry that allows it to dynamically distribute loads during the lifting process. The lug's structure enables it to accommodate the forces generated by heavy flanges while maintaining structural integrity, preventing bending or warping of the apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If flanges are hoisted using traditional methods, then the flange can be positioned, but unwanted movement occurs during installation making the process difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The position of the movable support member along the rod can be adjusted to change the tilt angle of the flange. By changing this parameter (the position of the support member), the flange can be tilted to various angles to facilitate installation while maintaining precise control over its orientation and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus includes a movable support member that can be positioned at different locations along the rod, making the apparatus dynamic rather than fixed. This allows the flange to be tilted and maneuvered during installation to achieve precise alignment with the pipeline, eliminating unwanted movement while maintaining ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If the movable support member is moved along the rod, then the flange can be tilted for easier installation, but the center of gravity shifts causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
As the movable support member is moved along the rod to tilt the flange, the system provides feedback through the change in center of gravity position. The threaded rod mechanism allows for controlled movement that accounts for this feedback, enabling the operator to achieve the desired tilt angle while maintaining stability through precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to dynamically adjust to the shifting center of gravity as the movable support member moves along the rod. The threaded rod mechanism provides controlled movement that accommodates the changing weight distribution, allowing the flange to be tilted for easier installation while maintaining overall system stability throughout the adjustment process.
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 apparatus enables more accurate and safer installation of heavy pipeline flanges by distributing weight effectively, preventing bending and warping of lifting apparatus parts, and enhancing maneuverability during the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a movable support member (113) that can be moved along a rod (111) having threads when the rod is rotated
Implementation Method 2
a linear drive mechanism, the linear drive mechanism oriented to move the movable support member in an axial direction of the linear drive mechanism and along the guide structure of the support body
Implementation Method 3
guide structure extending at least partially between the first and second ends of the support body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a flange lifting apparatus that is configured to have an upper portion that can be attached to a crane or hoist, and a lower portion that can be attached to a flange using flange attachment arms. The lifting apparatus has a support body comprising with first and second ends and an elongate opening in the support body. A movable support member has an upper portion with opening accommodating a threaded rod, and a lower portion attached to a rotatable cam that is positioned within and capable of traveling within the elongate opening of the support body. Rotation of the rod causes movement of the support member which shifts the center of gravity and causes the flange to tilt.