Pipe Lifting Device with Linear Actuator and Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plumbers and pipefitters face difficulties in maneuvering and positioning elongated pipes for installation due to their cumbersome nature, requiring a simple and effective device for lifting and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated lifting device with a linear actuator, pivoting foot, and lifting arms that work in conjunction with lasers to raise and lower pipes to precise elevations, allowing for single-person operation and versatility in handling various materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling methods are used for pipes, then no additional equipment is required, but the difficulty of maneuvering and positioning pipes increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lifting device as an intermediary tool between the worker and the pipe. This device includes a support structure with a cradle that receives the pipe, allowing the worker to easily position and lift pipes without direct manual handling of the heavy elongated objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an actuated lifting mechanism. The support structure incorporates an actuator that can raise and lower the cradle, substituting human physical effort with a mechanical system that automatically positions the pipe at the required elevation.
2Productivity
If multiple workers are used to handle pipes manually, then the pipe can be positioned, but the productivity and efficiency are reduced due to labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device performs the lifting and positioning function autonomously once the pipe is placed in the cradle. The actuator automatically raises or lowers the support structure to the required elevation, eliminating the need for multiple workers to manually coordinate their efforts for lifting and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device serves as an intermediary that handles the heavy lifting and positioning tasks, reducing the physical burden on workers from manual handling to simple operations of placing the pipe in the cradle and activating the lifting mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If precise pipe positioning is achieved through manual methods, then alignment can be obtained, but the time and effort required for alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual alignment operations with an actuated lifting mechanism that can precisely control the vertical position of the pipe. The actuator can raise or lower the pipe in controlled increments, achieving precise elevation alignment much faster and more accurately than manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device incorporates a dynamic positioning system where the actuator can adjust the pipe elevation in real-time based on alignment requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows for rapid and precise positioning compared to static manual handling methods.
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 efficient and precise positioning of pipes with reduced labor, facilitating easier installation, removal, and maintenance, while being adaptable for different materials and applications.
Implementation Method 1
an outer tube having an interior cavity to engage said upright support therein, linear bearing system configured in said interior cavity for slidably engaging said upright support along an axis of movement
Implementation Method 2
the linear bearing is controlled by an actuator operatively associated with a gear motor
Implementation Method 3
work in conjunction with either a pipe laser or slopping laser, in order to get it to proper elevation
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device configured with a linear bearing system operatively associated with a support system configured for raising, lowering and positioning pipes for installation, service, or removal.