Spreader Bar Brace Suspension for Faster Wall Panel Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wall panels requires significant manpower for hoisting and securing temporary braces, posing safety risks and increasing labor costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A spreader bar assembly with a brace suspension system, featuring a main spreader bar, brace suspension axle, spindles, motors, and winch cables, automatically positions temporary braces at the desired angle during lifting, reducing the need for manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning of temporary braces is used, then workers can securely install braces, but significant manpower and time are required, increasing labor costs and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the spreader bar assembly automatically positions and suspends temporary braces without requiring manual intervention. The motorized spindles wind the braces onto the suspension axle, and the system self-regulates the bracing configuration during the panel lifting process, eliminating the need for multiple workers to manually position each brace.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of workers positioning braces with an automated motorized system. Electric motors drive spindles that wind the temporary braces onto a suspension axle, substituting human labor with mechanical automation. This mechanical substitution maintains installation capability while dramatically reducing manpower requirements and installation time.
2Reliability
If multiple workers manually position temporary braces, then proper support is achieved, but safety risks increase due to worker proximity to heavy machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts workers from the dangerous zone near heavy machinery by automating the brace positioning function. The temporary braces are positioned and suspended by the motorized spreader bar assembly rather than by workers manually handling them near the crane and panel, removing human operators from the harmful environment while maintaining the necessary panel support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the safety-critical function of positioning and suspending temporary braces autonomously without human intervention. The motorized spindles and suspension axle self-regulate the bracing configuration during panel lifting, ensuring proper support stability while eliminating worker exposure to safety risks associated with manual brace positioning near heavy machinery.
3Loss of time
If manual brace positioning is used, then flexibility in adjustment is maintained, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustment capability through motorized spindles that can rapidly wind and position temporary braces at variable speeds. The motorized suspension system allows for real-time adjustment of brace positioning during the panel lifting process, maintaining operational flexibility while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual positioning. The system can adapt to different panel weights and configurations automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel is coupled to a main spreader bar via one or more lifting cables, and a plurality of temporary braces are coupled via their first end to the panel, wherein each temporary brace is coupled to a respective winch cable at a second end, each winch cable coupled to a spindle on a suspension axle. As the wall is lifted to a vertical position, a user may actuate one or more motors, thereby winding the winch cables on the spindles, which causes the temporary braces to pivot outwardly (the first end being pivotally secured to the panel). Once the desired position of the temporary wall braces is achieved, each temporary wall brace may then be secured to the ground, bracing the panel for the wall in the vertical position during construction.