Self-Balancing Spreader Beam with Automatic Load Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material handling systems face inefficiencies and safety risks when lifting large, broadly extending objects, particularly during rapid construction or decommissioning processes, due to the need for iterative manual adjustments to maintain balance, which is time-consuming and potentially hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A self-balancing spreader beam system equipped with sensors and actuators that automatically adjust the lifting points to maintain balance, reducing the need for manual intervention and iterative balancing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment of spreader beam pick points is used to balance the load, then the object can be lifted, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple iterative attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting speedVSAvoidtime for balancing adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader beam system automatically balances the load itself through sensors that detect unbalanced conditions and actuators that adjust pick point locations without manual intervention. The control system monitors load distribution and autonomously modifies the beam configuration to achieve balance, eliminating the need for operators to manually reposition pick points through multiple iterative attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors continuously monitor the balance status of the lifted object and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system determines whether adjustment is needed and commands actuators to modify pick point locations accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid automatic balancing, dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual trial-and-adjustment methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual adjustment of spreader beam is used, then balance can be achieved, but the process is potentially dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-balancing through automated sensors and actuators, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust the spreader beam during lifting operations. This removes operators from hazardous positions and eliminates safety risks associated with manual intervention while the beam is suspended or being adjusted under load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment by operators is replaced with an automated electromechanical system consisting of sensors, actuators, and a control system. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically manipulate the spreader beam, thereby removing the safety hazards associated with manual adjustment while maintaining or improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If iterative manual adjustments are made to pick points, then balance can be maintained, but the process is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance maintenanceVSAvoidlifting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously monitor load distribution and provide real-time feedback to the control system, enabling immediate detection of unbalanced conditions. The control system processes this feedback and commands actuators to adjust pick point locations automatically, achieving balance in a single operation rather than through multiple slow manual iterations, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving lifting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary sensing and calculation to determine the required adjustment before actual movement occurs. By pre-calculating the optimal pick point positions based on sensor data, the system executes a single correct adjustment rather than multiple trial adjustments, eliminating downtime and improving productivity while ensuring proper balance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system enables faster and safer lifting operations by automatically adjusting to balance the load, reducing design complexities and time required for lifting operations, particularly beneficial for handling large and varied objects in construction and decommissioning scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

an unbalanced sensor for sensing when the structural beam portion is unbalanced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

an actuation system for translating the adjustment portion to bring the structural beam portion into a balanced condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9284161B2Self-balancing spreader beam

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP

AI summary

A lifting device may include a level setting portion and an adjustable beam assembly pivotally secured to the level setting portion and including a structural beam portion and an adjustment portion configured for translating along the structural beam portion, where the adjustable beam assembly includes a sensor for sensing when the structural beam portion is unbalanced and an actuation system for translating the adjustment portion to bring the structural beam portion into a balanced condition.