Self-aligning lifting apparatus for uneven load distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting systems in derricks and inline compensators face issues with misalignment due to unequal lifting forces from hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangements, leading to uneven force distribution and potential damage to equipment.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning apparatus with a structure featuring projecting free ends and multiple points of rotation above the sheave attachment, allowing the system to deform and redistribute loads, ensuring even force distribution across hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangements, thereby preventing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the yoke is attached relatively rigidly to the piston rods in the piston-cylinder arrangements, then the lifting force is transmitted effectively, but a misalignment of the yoke when pivoting may result in large shear forces being exerted on the piston rods
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connection is divided into two functional parts: a rotatable arm that pivots at its upper end to allow self-alignment, and a lower connection point that attaches to the piston rod. This segmentation allows the connection to accommodate misalignment through rotation while maintaining effective force transmission to the piston rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the yoke and piston rod is made dynamic through the rotatable arm that can pivot at its upper end. This dynamic capability allows the connection to adapt to unequal lifting forces and stroke lengths by rotating to a new equilibrium position, preventing excessive shear forces while maintaining lifting effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the piston-cylinder arrangements lift the yoke unequally, then the system can adapt to different stroke lengths, but a displacement and uneven distribution of force on the beam results, leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke connection incorporates a rotatable arm that can pivot dynamically in response to unequal lifting forces. This dynamic rotation allows the yoke to self-align to a new equilibrium position when piston-cylinder arrangements operate with different strokes, maintaining stability and preventing misalignment damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus provides self-alignment through the rotatable connection that automatically adjusts to unequal loading conditions. The system serves itself by using the pivot mechanism to detect and correct misalignment without external intervention, ensuring the yoke remains properly aligned even when piston-cylinder arrangements operate unequally.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning apparatus for a lifting system includes a structure which includes a first element having a first projecting free end and a second projecting free end which each receive at least one sheave at a point of attachment to the first element, and at least two first points of rotation. The at least one sheave cooperates with at least one wire. The at least two first points of rotation are arranged above the at least one sheave's point of attachment to the first element so that the apparatus self-aligns during use in an uneven loading event.