Variable Length Sling Pulley Mechanism for Load Leveling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current crane slings are limited in their ability to adjust length, making it difficult to maintain objects with irregular weight distributions level during transport, as they often require bulky hydraulic equipment or insufficient turnbuckles for length adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A variable length sling system utilizing two or more pulleys connected by a rope, with a storage spool and guide wheels, allowing the rope to extend or retract to achieve the necessary length, and a control mechanism using arrest bars and worm drives to manage the length, ensuring the crane hook remains over the object's center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If turnbuckles are used to adjust sling length, then some length adjustment is achieved, but the adjustment range is limited (approximately one foot) and load support capacity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable length sling mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of sling length during operation. The sling incorporates a adjustable length component that can be modified to accommodate different load requirements and center of gravity positions, enabling the crane hook to remain over the center of gravity while allowing sufficient length adjustment range beyond what turnbuckles provide
Solution Approach 2:
The sling is divided into multiple segments including a fixed length portion and a variable length portion. The variable length portion can be adjusted independently to achieve the desired total length, allowing for greater adjustment range while maintaining load support capacity through the structured segmentation of the sling components
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic extensions are used to adjust sling length, then sufficient length adjustment is achieved, but bulky hydraulic equipment is required and system failure may occur with little warning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic extension mechanisms with a simpler mechanical variable length sling system. The mechanical system uses basic components such as adjustable links or segments that can be modified without requiring bulky hydraulic equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient length adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The variable length sling mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting or easily adjustable by the operator without requiring complex hydraulic control systems. The mechanism allows for straightforward length modification through mechanical means, eliminating the need for bulky hydraulic equipment and reducing the risk of hidden system failures
3Device complexity
If fixed length slings are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to maintain objects level during transport is compromised when weight distribution is irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed length slings to a variable length sling system that can dynamically adapt to different load configurations. By allowing the sling length to be adjusted, the system can compensate for irregular weight distributions and ensure the crane hook remains over the center of gravity, thereby maintaining object levelness during transport while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
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 precise adjustment of sling length to keep objects level during transport, overcoming the limitations of fixed-length slings and reducing the need for bulky hydraulic equipment, by allowing the crane hook to remain centered over the object's center of gravity.
Implementation Method 1
A variable length sling system utilizing two or more pulleys connected by a rope, with a storage spool and guide wheels, allowing the rope to extend or retract to achieve the necessary length
Implementation Method 2
a control mechanism using arrest bars and worm drives to manage the length
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for adjusting the length of a support sling includes a set of pulleys and may be useful, for example, to allow a moving device to keep an object level when being transported.