Sherpa Panel Lifter for Steel Building Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of metal wall and roof panels in steel buildings is hindered by high winds, which can damage materials and injure workers, and requires multiple manual steps that are time-consuming and inefficient, limiting work to winds of 10 mph or less.
Innovation Solution
A trailer-based supporting and lifting apparatus, named 'The Sherpa', allows for the assembly and lifting of pre-assembled metal wall panels with insulation as a single unit to a 45-degree angle, enabling safer and more efficient installation in winds up to 20 mph by reducing the need for separate handling of panels and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If panels and insulation are installed separately by hand using a man lift, then installation can be performed with simple equipment, but installation time increases and worker safety is compromised in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus combines panel holding, insulation attachment, and lifting functions into a single integrated system. The panel is clamped horizontally, insulation is attached while the panel is supported, and the assembled unit is lifted together as one package, eliminating the need for separate handling operations that are vulnerable to wind.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is clamped and positioned in a horizontal preliminary state on the apparatus before insulation is attached. This preliminary positioning allows insulation to be secured to a stable, ground-level platform rather than to a vertically positioned panel that would be vulnerable to wind during the attachment process.
2Device complexity
If panels are installed horizontally one at a time using traditional methods, then equipment complexity is minimized, but the number of handling steps and exposure to wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the installation process into distinct functional zones: a horizontal clamping zone for panel securing, an insulation attachment zone with vertical support, and a lifting zone. This segmentation allows each operation to occur in an optimized position, reducing total handling time while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions dynamically through different operational states: horizontal panel clamping, vertical insulation attachment, and angled lifting. The ability to change the operational configuration allows the same apparatus to perform multiple functions efficiently without requiring complex tool changes or repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If insulation and panels are assembled as separate components, then material handling is simplified, but the number of fastening operations and exposure to wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges panel holding and insulation support into a single integrated structure. The insulation is attached to the panel while both are supported by the apparatus, creating a pre-assembled unit that is then lifted and installed together, reducing the number of separate fastening operations required on the building structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The Sherpa is the ultimate sheet supporter. It is an apparatus with a method for assembling, supporting, and lifting sheet metal panels and insulation while constructing a pre-engineered steel building that creates a safer and more efficient work environment. It is a two axle trailer base with a telescoping rear extension. An electric winch is used for actuating the support platform between collapsed/travelling and elevated/operating positions. As it lifts the preassembled panel, it supports it without twisting or kinking to a forty-five degree angle where the panel is able to be lifted to a totally vertical position and secured into place.