Utility Pole Lifting Tongs With Integrated Safety Sling Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility pole lifting mechanisms rely on chains as safety backups, which are often omitted due to time and convenience issues, posing safety risks if the tongs release during lifting, and chains become part of the strain on the lifting assembly.
Innovation Solution
A safety sling is removably attached to lifting tongs, with one end connected to one arm and the other end secured by a semi-permanent mechanism on the second arm, ensuring it remains attached, using industrial-strength materials like AmSteel-Blue® fiber or chains, and featuring adjustable connection points to manage drop length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain is used as a safety backup, then safety is improved, but the time required for the lifting operation increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety chain and the lifting tongs into a single integrated assembly. The chain is permanently attached to the tong arms, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining safety functionality while reducing the time and complexity associated with separate chain attachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety chain is pre-attached to the lifting tongs before the lifting operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the safety backup is already in place and does not require additional time during the actual lifting process, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If a chain is used as a safety backup, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and handling burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety chain is integrated into the lifting tong assembly, creating a unified device rather than separate components. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need to manage and attach a separate chain, while still providing the safety backup function.
3Reliability
If the safety chain is used, then safety is improved, but the chain becomes part of the lifting assembly under considerable strain
Solution Approach 1:
The safety chain acts as an intermediary backup system that only engages under specific failure conditions. It is designed to bear strain only if the primary tong grip fails, allowing the main lifting assembly to operate without continuous strain on the safety component while maintaining safety readiness.
4Reliability
If workers use the safety chain, then safety is improved, but it adds to the time and effort required in the field
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the safety chain with the lifting tongs, the system eliminates the need for separate chain handling operations. The merged design allows workers to deploy the safety system automatically as part of the normal lifting procedure, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism adapted to safely lift utility poles from the ground to an upright position (or vice versa) is described. The mechanism includes a set of lifting tongs, having a first and second arm, each arm having a pointed end adapted to grip a utility pole, a first connection mechanism on said first arm, a second connection mechanism on said second arm, and a safety sling connectable to said first connection mechanism and said second connection mechanism.