Rotatable Hoist Hook Block Automatic Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoist lower blocks with rotatable load hooks face challenges in securely locking loads automatically, as existing electrically actuated locking mechanisms are difficult to adapt for rotatable hooks and require significant effort.
Innovation Solution
A lower block design featuring a rotatable load hook with a locking mechanism where an actuating arm slidably rests on a vertically movable pressure plate, allowing the locking means to be actuated electrically or pneumatically, enabling automatic locking and unlocking regardless of the load hook's rotational position, and allowing for manual operation in case of actuator failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electrically actuated locking device is used on a non-rotatable load hook, then automatic locking is achieved, but the solution cannot be transferred to rotatable load hooks or requires great effort
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with a pressure plate that can be actuated independently of the load hook's rotational position. The actuating arm slides against the pressure plate, allowing the same mechanism to function whether the load hook is rotatable or non-rotatable, achieving universal applicability across different load hook configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure plate serves as an intermediary element between the actuator and the locking mechanism. It transmits the actuating force from the actuator to the locking device through the actuating arm, enabling automatic locking regardless of the load hook's rotational state without requiring direct connection to the rotating hook itself.
2Ease of operation
If a locking device is attached to the load hook to pivot about a rotation axis, then the locking device can be adjusted between open and locked positions, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The pressure plate, actuating arm, and locking elements work together as one unit that can be actuated by a single actuator, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be self-actuating through the pressure plate mechanism. When the actuator moves the pressure plate, the locking elements automatically engage or disengage without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, simplifying the structure while maintaining operational ease.
3Extent of automation
If the actuating arm slides against the pressure plate to maintain locking position during rotation, then automatic securing is achieved, but wear-related damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent mentions that the actuator can be controlled electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Using pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems provides smoother, more controlled movement of the pressure plate, reducing impact forces and wear on the actuating arm and pressure plate contact surfaces while maintaining automatic securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a roller between the actuating arm and pressure plate to reduce friction and wear. This roller element acts as a cushioning mechanism that distributes contact forces and prevents direct metal-to-metal wear, thereby improving reliability while maintaining automatic securing operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual actuation is allowed without influencing the actuating mechanism, then flexibility is maintained, but the actuating arm must be lifted off the pressure plate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two independent paths: the automated actuator path and the manual actuation path. The manual override mechanism is designed to lift the actuating arm off the pressure plate independently, allowing manual operation without interfering with the automated actuating mechanism. This segmentation maintains flexibility while avoiding complex interactions between the two actuation modes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Lower block (2) for a lifting device, with a load hook (1) which is received on a support structure (3) of the lower block (2), wherein a hook jaw (1a) of the load hook (1) can be locked via a locking means (4) pivotably mounted on the load hook (1), wherein the locking means (4) can be pivoted by means of a controllable actuator (6), wherein a vertically guided pressure plate (11) is arranged on the support structure (3) of the lower block (2), which interacts with the locking means (4) pivotably mounted on the load hook (1) in such a way that the locking means (4) pivots during a vertical movement of the pressure plate (11), wherein the actuator (6) is designed to move the pressure plate (11) vertically.It is provided that the load hook (1) is rotatable about a vertical axis (V) relative to the support structure (3) of the lower block (2) and relative to the pressure plate (11) guided vertically on the support structure (3), wherein an actuating arm (4a) of the locking means (4) slides against the pressure plate (11) in such a way that the pressure plate (11) which is vertically movable via the actuator (6) can pivot the locking means (4) on the rotatable load hook (1) via the actuating arm (4a) independently of a rotational position of the load hook (1).