Traverse with Vacuum Holders for Heavy Object Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traverses for lifting heavy objects, such as wind turbine parts, face issues with instability due to external winds causing swinging and potential loss or damage during transport, as they fail to securely lock the objects in place.

Innovation Solution

A traverse equipped with at least two fork arms or one fork arm and a lifting strap, featuring vacuum holders that generate an adjustable vacuum to secure the object's position, and control elements like propeller or jet engines to counteract movement, ensuring stable transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fork arms or lifting straps are used to transport heavy objects, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the object is not securely locked and may swing or fall out due to external winds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidtraverse structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple securing mechanisms (fork arms, lifting straps, and vacuum holders) into a single traverse system. The vacuum holders are integrated onto the traverse structure, allowing simultaneous mechanical support and vacuum-based positioning to securely lock the object during transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vacuum holders that use pneumatic principles to create a secure locking mechanism. The vacuum holders generate negative pressure to hold the object firmly in place, preventing it from swinging or falling out due to external winds while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If the traverse is designed to be simple and easy to operate, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to monitor and stabilize the object's position during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraverse operationVSAvoidposition monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and status of the object during transport. This feedback system provides real-time information about the object's location, allowing the control system to make adjustments and maintain precise positioning while keeping the operation simple through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If vacuum holders are added to secure the object's position, then the locking security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidtraverse components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum holders are designed to perform multiple functions: they secure the object's position, monitor its status, and provide feedback to the control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving position stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 vacuum holders provide secure locking and monitoring of the object's position, while control elements stabilize the traverse, preventing swinging and ensuring the object remains in its target position during transport, thereby reducing the risk of loss or damage.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum holder being arranged on the traverse, in particular on the at least two fork arms, at least at one support point for the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

control elements such as propeller engines can also be arranged, which stabilize the position of the traverse with the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet propulsion: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP2886503B1Traverse for transporting objects
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 AXZION GKS STAHL & MASCHBAUU
  • EP2886503B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a traverse [1] for lifting heavy objects with at least two fork arms [2] or with one fork arm [2] and at least one lifting strap [3] for receiving the objects, wherein at least one vacuum holder [4] is arranged at support points [5] of the objects.