Wedge Clamping Apparatus for Steel Beam Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of steel beams in construction is hazardous due to the need for manual alignment, which creates pinch points that can cause injuries, especially when heavy beams are being connected with bolts or welds.

Innovation Solution

A clamping apparatus comprising two yoke structures with inwardly extending support arms and wedge slots, allowing for secure alignment and support of beams without manual intervention, using a wedge to lock the beams in place and prevent movement, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual alignment of beams is performed during assembly, then beam positioning can be adjusted, but worker safety deteriorates due to pinch points and heavy beam weights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam alignment capabilityVSAvoidworker injury risk from pinch points

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a beam alignment device as an intermediary tool between workers and heavy beams. The device includes a support structure with adjustable arms that can hold and position beams without requiring workers to manually handle them near pinch points, thus maintaining alignment capability while eliminating the harmful manual handling risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment device is designed to be self-positioning through adjustable arms and support mechanisms that can independently hold beams in correct positions. The device allows beams to be aligned and secured without continuous manual intervention, reducing worker exposure to dangerous pinch points while maintaining precise alignment control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If beams are hoisted by crane for alignment, then beam positioning is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam positioning capabilityVSAvoidalignment process duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment device is pre-positioned on the support beam before the second beam is hoisted. The adjustable arms are configured in advance to match the required alignment positions, allowing the second beam to be quickly guided into place without time-consuming manual adjustments during the hoisting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary guide structure that remains stationary on the support beam while facilitating rapid beam alignment. This eliminates the need for repeated crane adjustments and manual positioning, significantly reducing the time required for beam alignment while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If workers manually guide beams into position, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the risk of injury from heavy beams increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam alignment precisionVSAvoidinjury from heavy beam handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment device serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides precise positioning guidance without requiring workers to be in contact with heavy beams. The adjustable arms and support structures maintain exact alignment positions while workers operate from safe distances, eliminating the hazard of manual beam handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical handling system with an automated alignment device that uses mechanical advantage and leverage principles. The device translates small adjustments into precise beam positioning without requiring workers to physically manipulate heavy beams, thus maintaining alignment precision while eliminating handling injuries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 clamping apparatus facilitates safer and more efficient beam alignment and connection by maintaining beam position, reducing the need for manual handling near pinch points and minimizing the risk of injury, while also reducing crane usage and enhancing construction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A wedge is configured for insertion within the first and second wedge slots when the first and second wedge slots are substantially aligned to hold a structure between the wedge and the first and second support arms of the first and second yokes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS10167175B2Clamping apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 SWOPE TERRY S

AI summary

A lifting and support device comprises a first yoke having a first support arm that defining a first wedge slot above the first support arm and a second yoke pivotally coupled to the first yoke having a second support arm inwardly extending toward and laterally spaced from the first support arm and defining a second wedge slot above the second support arm. The first and second wedge slots are substantially aligned when the first and second yokes are in a closed position. A wedge is configured for insertion within the first and second wedge slots when the first and second wedge slots are substantially aligned to hold a structure between the wedge and the first and second support arms of the first and second yokes in order to support a structure relative to the lifting and support device.