Remote Lifting Clutch Locking Geometry Against Inadvertent Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely operable lifting hooks and clutches are limited by weight capacity, require manual operation, and have reliability issues, posing safety risks and increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A clutch mechanism with a body, levers, and a tensioning member that allows remote operation, enabling the clutch to securely engage and release lifting points without manual intervention, and a remotely operable hook assembly with a locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent opening under load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remotely operable release mechanism is used to hold the hook in the closed position, then the hook can be operated remotely, but the mechanism may fail causing the hook to open inadvertently during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing face geometry is designed to automatically engage and lock the hook in the closed position through its own structural features, without requiring active intervention from the release mechanism during normal operation. The self-latching geometry provides inherent safety against inadvertent opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing face is bevelled in advance to create a geometric lock that prevents hook opening before it can occur. This preventive geometric design ensures that even if the release mechanism fails, the hook cannot open inadvertently during lifting operations.
2Reliability
If the bearing face is bevelled to prevent inadvertent hook opening, then hook safety is improved, but the release mechanism requires more force to actuate
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism uses a cam surface that dynamically transforms the actuation force. As the locking member moves along the cam surface, the force required changes, allowing easy release when needed while maintaining secure locking during operation. The dynamic geometry accommodates the bevelled bearing face without requiring excessive actuator power.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a simple linear force application to a two-dimensional cam surface interaction. The locking member follows a curved path on the cam surface, converting a small actuator movement into a larger mechanical advantage that overcomes the bevelled bearing face resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch mechanism is added to interface with lifting points, then adaptability to different lifting points is improved, but the number of parts increases manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate various lifting point configurations (eyes, shackles, hooks) through a single standardized design. This multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple specialized adapters, actually reducing overall system complexity despite adding one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism combines the functions of the hook interface, release mechanism, and lifting point adapter into a single integrated assembly. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate parts compared to having distinct components for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A clutch for lifting a load with a lifting point comprises a body with a cavity with an opening at a side of the body to receive the lifting point into the cavity, a first lever and a second lever. The second lever is movably coupled to the body to move between a close position and an open position to block and unlock the opening. The first lever is movably coupled to the body to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, in the engaged position the first lever engages the second lever to maintain the second lever in the closed position, and in the disengaged position the second lever is disengaged from the second lever so that the second lever is free to move to the open position. The clutch may be released from the lifting point by pulling the first lever to move it to the disengaged position.