Rotatable Gripping Device for Slender Object Lifting Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp systems for slender objects are not effectively designed to allow movement in one direction along the longitudinal axis while maintaining stability in the opposite direction, leading to potential slipping issues during lifting operations, especially when lifting lying objects.
Innovation Solution
The clamp system incorporates a rotatably connected gripping device with a pivot mechanism that transitions from a gripping state to an idle state as the object is tilted, allowing the wedge assemblies to take over the clamping action, ensuring stable lifting by gradually releasing the gripping force and engaging the wedge assemblies under gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamp system uses a fixed gripping device to hold the object, then the object is stable in both directions along the longitudinal axis, but the object cannot be moved in the opposite direction without inactivating the clamp system
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is made rotatable about a transverse axis, transitioning from a fixed symmetric design to a dynamic asymmetric design. This allows the gripping device to tilt and release gripping force in the opposite direction while maintaining stability in the first axial direction through the stop mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is segmented into two independent components: the gripping device for active clamping in the first axial direction, and the wedge assemblies for frictional engagement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while working together to resolve the contradiction.
2Reliability
If the clamp system uses wedge assemblies for frictional engagement, then the object can be lifted reliably, but the initial clamping action is insufficient when the object is lying horizontally
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device performs preliminary clamping action before the wedge assemblies can effectively engage. By activating the gripping device first, sufficient initial clamping force is provided to prevent slipping during the critical initial stage of lifting, after which the wedge assemblies take over as the object tilts.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the horizontal lying position and the vertical lifting position. It provides the necessary clamping force during the transition phase when the wedge assemblies cannot yet provide sufficient frictional engagement.
3Reliability
If the gripping device is biased toward the stop by elastic pretension, then proper gripping action is ensured, but the gripping device cannot release to allow movement in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The elastic bias provides gripping force in the first axial direction, but the rotatable connection allows the device to tilt and release force in the opposite direction, enabling movement while maintaining reliable gripping action when needed.
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
This design ensures secure and reliable lifting of slender objects by preventing slipping and allowing the wedge assemblies to provide sufficient frictional engagement, enhancing the stability and safety of the lifting process.
Implementation Method 1
In order to ensure the proper gripping action, a gripping device is preferably biased toward the stop, such as by an elastic pretension
Implementation Method 2
a wedge type clamp having wedge assemblies associated with the frame for providing frictional engagement with said object as a result of a relative displacement of the wedge type clamp with respect to the object according to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
during the process of transferring the object to the upright position, displacing the object with respect to the frame so as to activate or further activate the wedge assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
In a clamp system for a slender object (16), such as a pile or pipe and the like, a clamp (1) and the object are to be applied around one another. The clamp has a frame (4) defining an axial direction. Furthermore, gripping devices (3) are provided which are spaced in circumferential direction of the frame (4). A stop (25) defines an end position of the gripping device (3), said gripping device (3) in gripping state and positioned in said end position prevents the object (16) from displacing with respect to the frame (4) in a first axial direction of the passage (9), in which first axial direction the gripping device (3) is held pressed against the stop (25), and said gripping device (3) allowing the object (16) to displace with respect to the frame in the second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.