Pivoting Crane Mat Lifting Elements for Tripping Hazard Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crane mats pose safety risks due to large openings for lifting hooks, which can cause workers to trip or step into holes, and require overhead lifting elements that are not efficiently managed, making it difficult to handle and move these large mats safely.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a plurality of longitudinal beams with lateral apertures and joining members, featuring a lifting element with a loop portion that can be pivoted above the working surface for lifting and secured below when not in use, minimizing tripping hazards and providing a secure, overhead lifting capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large openings are provided for lifting hooks, then lifting capability is improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting element is designed to be movable between a stored position below the working surface and an elevated position for lifting. This dynamic configuration allows the mat to maintain safety during normal use while providing lifting capability when needed, directly resolving the contradiction between safety and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If lifting elements are exposed above the working surface, then lifting access is improved, but worker safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting element can be dynamically positioned - stored below the working surface when not in use to eliminate tripping hazards, and elevated above the surface when lifting is required. This resolves the contradiction by providing lifting access only when needed while maintaining safety during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful aspect (exposed lifting element) is extracted from the working surface and relocated to a storage position below the mat. This separates the lifting function from the working surface, eliminating the safety hazard while preserving the lifting capability when required.
3Strength
If conventional joining members are used, then beam connection is achieved, but lifting safety deteriorates due to open holes
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting element is integrated with the joining member structure, combining the beam connection function and the lifting function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate open holes while maintaining both structural integrity and lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting element acts as an intermediary between the joining member and the lifting hook. It provides a safe interface for lifting operations without requiring direct exposure of the joining member, thereby maintaining beam connection strength while eliminating open holes that create tripping hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial mat having a supporting structure; an upper layer provided above the supporting structure for forming an upper surface of the mat, a lower layer provided below the supporting structure for providing a lower surface of the mat; and lifting elements attached to the upper layer, the lower layer or the supporting structure. The lifting elements include D-shaped members, O-shaped members, U-shaped members, eyelets, hooks, circular or polygonal rings, chains, or cables that are configured and dimensioned for attachment to attached to the supporting structure or the upper or lower layer with sufficient strength to provide certified overhead lifting of the mat for installation and reclamation thereof.