Retractable Mobile Element for Automatic Heavy Structure Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling and transportation of heavy construction structures, such as bridge segments, pose challenges due to their large size and weight, requiring numerous handling and transport operations, and existing solutions like metal inserts for lifting require human intervention, which is risky and inefficient, and necessitate additional operations for removal or embedding, leading to increased costs and duration.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rod with a mobile, articulated element that can be retracted and deployed to lift heavy structures, featuring a hemispherical portion and housing for load refocusing and orientation, allowing for remote operation and compatibility with conventional lifting means, eliminating the need for metal inserts and human intervention during attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If metal inserts are used for lifting heavy structures, then lifting capability is achieved, but human intervention is required which increases risk and time
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device attaches and detaches automatically without human intervention. The mobile element self-positions into the recess when the rod is inserted, and self-retracts when detached, making the system self-servicing during the attachment/detachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile element is pre-configured with articulation capabilities and the recess is pre-formed in the structure. When the rod is inserted, the mobile element is already positioned to engage with the recess, eliminating the need for manual attachment operations.
2Productivity
If metal inserts are used for lifting, then lifting function is provided, but additional operations for removal or embedding are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile element is designed to be recovered and reused rather than discarded. After lifting operations are complete, the mobile element automatically retracts from the recess, allowing it to be used for subsequent lifting operations without time-consuming removal or embedding procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile element transitions from a static insert to a dynamic, movable component that can automatically engage and disengage. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for separate removal operations, as the element can be quickly repositioned for the next lifting task.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lifting means are used, then compatibility with existing equipment is maintained, but human intervention near lifting apparatus is required creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile element acts as an intermediary between the rod and the recess. It facilitates automatic attachment by mediating the connection process, allowing the rod to be simply inserted while the mobile element handles the complex engagement and positioning actions remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is segmented into distinct functional components: the rod for insertion, the mobile element for engagement, and the recess for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall operation by distributing functions across separate elements.
4Area of stationary object
If segments are stacked for storage to minimize floor space, then storage efficiency is improved, but handling operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rod with mobile element is designed as a universal handling tool that can extract segments from stacked positions and transport them to various destinations. The same device configuration handles both extraction from storage and positioning at the construction site, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for different operations.
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
Enables safe and efficient handling of heavy structures without human intervention near the lifting apparatus, reducing operational costs and time, while allowing for precise orientation and reuse of handling elements, thus improving safety and efficiency in construction site operations.
Implementation Method 1
the movable element comprises a hemispherical portion and the rod comprises a seat having a hemispherical housing, such that, when the element mobile is in the deployed position, its hemispherical portion rests in said hemispherical housing of the seat
Implementation Method 2
a rod, a mobile element articulated on the rod, able to be retracted along the rod for the insertion and removal of said structure and to be deployed according to a determined inclination with respect to the rod for lifting said structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an element (2) for handling a heavy construction structure, including: a rod (20); a mobile element (24) pivotably connected to the rod (20) and capable of being retracted along the rod (20) for the insertion and removal of said structure and for being extended according to a predetermined inclination relative to the rod (20) in order to lift said structure and enable the load to be transferred to the hangers of the rod; and a means for retracting or extending the mobile element (24). The invention also relates to a device (3) and to a method for handling a heavy construction structure (1), wherein vertical openings (10) are drilled straight through said structure (1).