Spud-tilting Device with Integrated Lifting and Tilting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spud-handling devices require significant manual labor, are difficult to control, and often result in uncontrolled tilting and material damage due to their complexity and reliance on heavy components like cables and removable shafts.
Innovation Solution
A spud-handling device that integrates lifting and tilting functions using dual-purpose clamps and a hydraulic cylinder with sensors, allowing for controlled tilting and reducing manual labor by incorporating the necessary components within the lifting device, thus simplifying the process and minimizing material weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable shaft is used to tilt the spud, then the spud can be tilted into a horizontal position, but the tilting operation requires a relatively large amount of manual handling and is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting device and tilting device into a single integrated system. The lifting clamps and holding clamps serve dual purposes for both lifting and tilting operations, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing manual handling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting clamps and holding clamps are designed to perform multiple functions: they are used both for lifting the spud vertically and for tilting it horizontally. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall operation.
2Ease of operation
If a removable shaft is used for tilting, then the spud can be positioned horizontally, but the removable shaft is difficult to handle manually due to its weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the heavy removable shaft component entirely by using the existing lifting device structure for tilting operations. The lifting clamps and holding clamps directly engage with the spud to perform tilting without requiring a separate shaft component.
3Productivity
If the spud is pulled over by means of a winch, then the tilting operation can be performed, but the tilting operation is relatively uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and orientation of the spud during tilting operations. This feedback mechanism allows for precise control and adjustment of the tilting process, ensuring reliability and preventing uncontrolled movements.
4Ease of manufacture
If holes are drilled in the spud for fitting a removable shaft, then the shaft can be installed, but cracks form in the spud at the location of the holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for drilling holes in the spud by using the lifting clamps and holding clamps to directly engage with the spud structure. This eliminates the source of cracks while maintaining the ability to install and operate the tilting mechanism.
5Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated tilting facilities are provided, then the spud can be tilted, but the facilities for tilting and lifting are relatively complex and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lifting and tilting facilities into a single integrated system. The same lifting clamps and holding clamps are used for both lifting the spud vertically and tilting it horizontally, significantly reducing the complexity and size of the required facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed to perform multiple functions: vertical lifting and horizontal tilting. This universality eliminates the need for dedicated separate facilities, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adaptability for spud handling operations.
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
Enables efficient, controlled, and labor-saving tilting of heavy spuds without tilting the lifting device, reducing material damage and operational complexity, while allowing for precise force transmission and automation.
Implementation Method 1
The tilting device has two gear racks, both of which are moved to and fro by a driving wheel which is connected to a hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
A spud-handling device that integrates lifting and tilting functions using dual-purpose clamps and a hydraulic cylinder with sensors
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a spud-handling device (11) for manoeuvring a spud (3) between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, the spud-handling device comprising: - a lifting device (9) which is fixedly connected to a lifting frame (45) in order to move the spud in its vertical position substantially vertically between a highest and a lowest position, - a tilting frame (24) which is connected to the lifting frame in order to determine a tilting axle (13) about which the spud can be tilted, - a tilting device (10) which is connected to the tilting frame in order to tilt the spud about the tilting axle, in which the tilting device is designed so as, in use, to engage with the lifting device for tilting the spud.