Pivotable Hook Lifting Tool for Steel Flange Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in steel frame building construction is the precise alignment and lifting of heavy collar flange assemblies, which are prohibitively heavy for manual manipulation and lack an attachment point for overhead cranes, making it difficult to achieve safe and efficient alignment and welding of beam connections.
Innovation Solution
A lifting tool assembly with a crossbar and pivotably suspended hook members, angled to support the flange assembly, allowing for stable and balanced lifting and alignment of the collar flange components, enabling secure and precise positioning for welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is used for collar flange assembly, then ease of operation is maintained, but the assembly cannot be lifted due to excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
A lifting tool assembly serves as an intermediary device between the overhead crane and the collar flange assembly. The tool includes a crossbar with hook members that engage with the flange assembly, allowing the heavy component to be lifted and positioned without direct manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar flange assembly is designed with integrated lifting features (such as engagement points for the hook members) that allow it to be self-lifting when the lifting tool is attached. The assembly's own structure is utilized to facilitate its own movement without requiring external attachment modifications.
2Productivity
If overhead crane attachment point is added to collar flange assembly, then lifting capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool assembly is designed as a universal device that can accommodate different collar flange assembly configurations. The hook members can engage with various flange geometries, and the tool itself serves multiple functions including lifting, positioning, and alignment, eliminating the need for dedicated attachment points on each assembly type.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than modifying the collar flange assembly to include crane attachment points, the lifting tool acts as an intermediary that provides the lifting interface. This separates the lifting function from the structural design of the flange assembly, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling crane operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is achieved through multiple components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but cumulative tolerances cause overall deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool assembly combines multiple alignment and positioning functions into a single integrated device. The crossbar with angled hook members simultaneously provides lifting support and alignment guidance, reducing the number of separate components that would otherwise contribute to cumulative tolerances in the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting tool is designed to pre-align the collar flange assembly before final installation. The angled hook members and crossbar geometry establish correct spatial orientation and positioning in advance, ensuring that subsequent assembly operations start from a pre-aligned state that minimizes the impact of cumulative tolerances.
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 lifting tool assembly facilitates safe and efficient handling of heavy collar flange assemblies, ensuring precise alignment and stable lifting, thereby improving the manufacturing process and reducing the risk of deviations from specifications.
Implementation Method 1
A first hook member may be pivotably suspended from the first end portion and a second hook member may be pivotably suspended from the second end portion
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting tool assembly is disclosed, including a crossbar having a long axis spanning between first and second end portions. A first hook member is pivotably suspended from the first end portion and a second hook member is pivotably suspended from the second end portion. The end portions are symmetrically angled relative to the long axis and each hook member includes first and second finger structures.