Rotating Fastener Gripper for Horizontal-to-Vertical Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting tools for heavy flange bolts in construction, such as those used in wind turbine towers, are time-consuming and require multiple tools for different bolt sizes, posing safety hazards and increasing costs due to manual repositioning and specific tool fittings.
Innovation Solution
A lifting tool with a gripper that can engage about the shaft of a fastener, allowing a single maneuver from horizontal to vertical orientation, using a freely rotatable suspension means connected to a crane hook, minimizing handling steps and accommodating various bolt diameters through adjustable jaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a strong electromagnet is used to lift flange bolts in a two-step procedure with manual repositioning, then the lifting operation can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool is designed to automatically reposition itself via a rotation mechanism that pivots the electromagnet from a first position (for lifting the bolt horizontally) to a second position (for inserting the bolt vertically). This self-repositioning eliminates manual intervention, reducing time loss and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet is mounted on a rotatable platform that can dynamically change its orientation. The rotation mechanism allows the tool to adapt its position automatically during the lifting process, transforming a static two-step manual operation into a dynamic automated sequence, thereby improving lifting speed and reducing time consumption.
2Reliability
If fittings are designed specifically for a certain bolt size, then the magnetic tool can effectively lift that specific size, but multiple tools are required for different bolt diameters, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool incorporates an adjustable electromagnet system that can be reconfigured to accommodate different bolt diameters. The magnet's position and orientation can be adjusted to match various fastener sizes, allowing a single tool to perform multiple functions across different bolt specifications, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting tool is divided into modular components, including the electromagnet, rotation mechanism, and adjustment elements. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to suit different bolt sizes, providing versatility while maintaining reliable lifting performance across various fastener dimensions.
3Reliability
If multiple magnetic tools are deployed for different bolt sizes, then each tool can be optimized for its specific size, but the overall cost increases and additional disconnect/reconnect steps create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple specialized tools, a single lifting tool is designed with universal capabilities through an adjustable electromagnet and rotation mechanism. This multi-functional design maintains optimized lifting performance for different bolt sizes while reducing the total number of tools required, thereby lowering cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple specialized lifting tools for different bolt sizes are merged into a single versatile tool. The combination of the electromagnet, rotation mechanism, and adjustment features creates a unified system that can handle various fastener dimensions, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing operational complexity.
4Productivity
If manual adjustment of magnet position is required during the two-step procedure, then the lifting operation can be completed, but safety hazards increase due to additional manual handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool automatically performs the repositioning action through its rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention during the transition between lifting and insertion phases. This self-service capability removes workers from hazardous manual handling tasks, reducing safety risks while maintaining operational productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electromagnet and the lifting operation. It automatically mediates the position change required for different phases of the lifting process, replacing manual adjustment and thereby eliminating safety hazards associated with human intervention in the lifting path.
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 efficient, safe, and cost-effective lifting of heavy fasteners by reducing handling steps and tool requirements, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and adaptability to different bolt sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension means adapted to suspend the gripping means from the yoke such that the gripping means is freely rotatable about a horizontal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting tool is provided including a gripping device or grip configured to engage about the shaft of a fastener; a yoke for connecting the lifting tool to a crane hook; and a suspension device or suspension adapted to suspend the gripping device or grip from the yoke such that the gripping device or grip is freely rotatable about a horizontal axis. The disclosure further describes a method of lifting a fastener from a horizontal position to a vertical position using an embodiment of the lifting tool.