Pipe Lifting Apparatus with Stabilizing Outriggers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for raising and lowering pipes during installation pose safety concerns, including hand injuries and muscle strains, due to manual handling and orientation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A pipe lifting and orienting apparatus comprising a base with outriggers forming a Y-shape, a vertical beam, a winch, and a cable, along with a stabilizing strap, which allows for safe and controlled lifting and positioning of pipes by distributing the weight and reducing manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and orientation of pipes is used, then the installation process can be completed, but safety hazards occur including hand injuries and muscle strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pipe lifting and orienting apparatus as an intermediary device between the worker and the pipe. This apparatus includes a base with outriggers for stability, a vertical beam for positioning, a winch for controlled lifting, and a cable for attachment. The apparatus mechanically handles the pipe lifting and orientation tasks, eliminating direct manual contact with heavy pipes and thereby preventing hand injuries and muscle strains while ensuring reliable safety.
2Productivity
If pipe lifting and orientation is performed manually, then the task can be completed, but worker injury risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe lifting and orienting apparatus is designed to perform lifting and orientation operations autonomously without requiring direct worker intervention. The winch mechanism automatically winds the cable to lift the pipe, and the outriggers with swivel wheels enable self-positioning of the apparatus. This self-service capability maintains high installation efficiency while eliminating injury risks associated with manual pipe handling.
3Reliability
If a stable pipe lifting apparatus is used, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe lifting and orienting apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a base with outriggers for stability and mobility, a vertical beam for positioning, a winch mechanism for lifting, and a cable system for attachment. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently analyzed or maintained. This segmentation achieves reliable safety through proper structural design while managing complexity through functional decomposition.
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 significantly reduces safety hazards by enabling safe and efficient lifting and orientation of pipes, minimizing the risk of injuries and strain, while allowing for stable and precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The beam has a first end attached to the base and a second end terminating in a pulley
Implementation Method 2
The pulley and the winch are oriented so that the cable extends naturally in line with the vertex such that, when a pipe in a vertical sleeve is attached to the distal end and is lifted by the cable
Implementation Method 3
Each outrigger can have a swivel wheel such that the apparatus can be moved on the surface in any direction. The swivel wheels can be lockable to prevent movement during the operational use of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe lifting apparatus and method related thereto are provided, wherein the pipe has a base with outriggers, a vertically extending beam having a pulley at its upper end and a cable attached to a winch and extending over the pulley. The pulley and winch are oriented so that the cable extends naturally in line with a vertex between two of the outriggers such that, when a pipe in a vertical sleeve is attached to the distal end and is lifted by the cable, the pipe passes adjacent to the vertex. The apparatus is configured to raise pipes from a vertical pipe sleeve used in floating roofs of above-ground storage tanks. The apparatus can be used to raise and lower pipes and to move them around the upper surface of the floating roof of the tanks.