Segmented Lifting Means for Small Holes and Oblique Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting means lack reliable interlocking mechanisms for hooks, are not suitable for small holes, have a low carrying capacity to diameter ratio, and restrict hoisting direction to be centered and non-oblique due to a conical shape, making them unsuitable for handling large loads and objects with narrow, elongate structures like cutter heads of cutter suction dredgers.
Innovation Solution
A compact lifting means with a solid carrying body and interlocking rod assembly featuring a lock mechanism that allows the hook to be securely engaged in both active and inactive positions, enabling interaction with small holes and handling of oblique loads by transmitting bending moments, and allowing lateral or angled hoisting directions through a balanced hook design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a cylindrical housing with conical insertion is used, then the lifting means can be inserted into a hole, but the diameter is relatively large making it unsuitable for small holes
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting means is divided into a carrying body and a hook assembly that can be separated. The hook can protrude from the carrying body to engage with the workpiece, then be retracted into the carrying body for compact insertion into small holes, enabling the lifting means to adapt to limited space constraints while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly is designed to be movable relative to the carrying body, transitioning between a protruding state for engagement and a retracted state for insertion. This dynamic configuration allows the lifting means to adapt its dimensions based on operational requirements, enabling use in both small holes and providing secure engagement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conical hole insertion is used, then the lifting means can be mounted, but the hoisting direction must be centered and cannot deviate laterally or obliquely
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting means separates the carrying body (inserted into the hole) from the hook assembly (protruding for engagement). This segmentation allows the carrying body to remain compact and centered in the hole while the hook can be positioned to accommodate various hoisting directions, including lateral and oblique angles, without increasing the insertion complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis, allowing the hoisting force to be applied at angles relative to the hole axis. This dimensional separation enables versatile hoisting directions while maintaining a simple centered insertion mechanism
3Volume of moving object
If the hook is made retractable, then the lifting means can interact with small holes, but reliable interlocking arrangements are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is pre-configured in the carrying body with engagement features that automatically interlock with corresponding features on the workpiece or mounting structure when the hook protrudes. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable engagement without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms, maintaining both compactness and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly is designed to self-lock or self-interlock with the workpiece through its geometric configuration and engagement features. The retractable mechanism itself provides the interlocking function, eliminating the need for separate complex locking arrangements while ensuring reliable engagement
4Volume of moving object
If the carrying body is made compact, then it can fit small holes, but the carrying capacity to diameter ratio is small
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting means separates the compact carrying body from the load-engaging hook assembly. The carrying body maintains small dimensions for fitting into limited spaces, while the hook assembly provides the necessary load-bearing surface area and structural features to handle large loads, achieving high carrying capacity relative to the compact body size
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing capability is extended in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis through the protruding hook assembly. This allows the compact carrying body to maintain small cross-sectional dimensions while the hook provides adequate load engagement area, effectively increasing the carrying capacity to diameter ratio
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A lifting means (1) comprises a carrying body (2) which can be inserted through a through- hole (24) in an object (23) to be lifted, a tiltable hook (3) at one end of the carrying body, an engagement means (4.25) which is located at the opposing end of the carrying body and with which a hoisting cable (27) and the like can engage, and also operating means (5) for displacing the hook between an inactive position wherein the hook can pass through the hole and an active position wherein the hook can engage with the object.