Rotating Fastener Lifting Tool for Horizontal-to-Vertical Handling
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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 costly due to the need for multiple tools with specific bolt size fittings and require hazardous manual adjustments, especially when switching between different bolt diameters.
Innovation Solution
A lifting tool with a freely rotatable gripper mechanism that allows a single maneuver from horizontal to vertical orientation, using a gripper with adjustable diameter and suspension means for easy attachment and detachment, minimizing handling steps and tool repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a strong electromagnet is used to lift flange bolts in a two-step procedure with manual repositioning, then heavy fasteners can be lifted, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires hazardous manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping means is made freely rotatable about a horizontal axis through the suspension means, allowing it to dynamically change orientation from horizontal to vertical during lifting without manual intervention. This dynamic capability eliminates the time-consuming two-step repositioning process while maintaining the ability to lift heavy fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping means automatically orients itself during the lifting process through its free rotation capability, eliminating the need for manual repositioning by operators. The system serves itself by transitioning from horizontal to vertical orientation without external intervention, reducing both time and safety hazards.
2Manufacturing precision
If fittings are designed specifically for a certain bolt size, then precise fitting is achieved, but multiple tools are required for different bolt diameters, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping means is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate fasteners of different diameters through adjustment mechanisms. Rather than requiring separate tools for M64, M80, and other bolt sizes, a single gripping means can be adjusted to fit various diameters while maintaining precise fitting through its adaptable clamping structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping means allows change in its operational parameters (specifically the effective diameter of the gripping surface) to match different fastener sizes. By adjusting the gripping parameters rather than changing the entire tool, the system maintains precision fitting across multiple bolt diameters with a single versatile tool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple magnetic tools are deployed for different bolt sizes, then various fastener diameters can be handled, but the overall cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single lifting tool with an adjustable gripping means serves multiple functions across different fastener diameters. This universal tool replaces the need for multiple specialized magnetic tools, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle various fastener sizes from M64 to M80 and beyond.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple specialized lifting tools is merged into a single versatile lifting tool. By combining the capabilities of several diameter-specific tools into one adjustable tool, the system reduces the total number of devices required while maintaining comprehensive adaptability to different fastener sizes.
4Shape
If manual repositioning of the magnet is performed, then the bolt can be lifted to vertical position, but safety hazards increase due to manual handling of heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping means automatically transitions the fastener from horizontal to vertical orientation through its free rotation capability during lifting. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual repositioning operations, removing the safety hazards associated with workers manually handling heavy fasteners while still achieving the required vertical orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical repositioning operation is replaced by a mechanical system where the gripping means is freely suspended and rotates automatically under the influence of gravity and lifting dynamics. This substitution eliminates manual intervention in hazardous zones while maintaining the functional outcome of vertical bolt orientation.
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 lifting of heavy fasteners with varying diameters in a single smooth movement, reducing time and cost by eliminating the need for multiple tools and hazardous manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
As the lifting tool is raised, the suspension means allows the gripping means to tilt, allowing the heavy fastener to assume an advantageous vertical position, underneath and essentially in line with the crane hook
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention describes a lifting tool (1) comprising a gripping means (10) configured to engage about the shaft (30) of a fastener (3); a yoke (16) for connecting the lifting tool (1) to a crane hook (20); and a suspension means (18, 180) adapted to suspend the gripping means (10) from the yoke (16) such that the gripping means (10) is freely rotatable about a horizontal axis (1X). The invention further describes a method of lifting a fastener (3) from a horizontal position (PH) to a vertical position (PH) using an embodiment of the lifting tool (1).