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Confined Space Gantry Crane

The Safe Lifting Solution| Royce Hornberger

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Project Goals

  • Provide a safe means of lifting and moving heavy objects in areas of limited access.
  • Simple setup and operation.
  • Allows one person to perform the work quickly and safely.

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Description

  • An overhead frame with trolley track for lifting and positioning machinery components and equipment where there are no existing means or there is limited access.
  • Designed using Unistrut components for simplicity, strength and ease of assembly / disassembly.
  • Adjustable height, length and width to accommodate various space limitations.
  • Can be disassembled and taken on small planes to remote locations.

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Prototype

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In Action

1. Setup

2. Component Removal

3. Relocate Component From Work Area Using Cart

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In Action

4. Attach Trolley To Next Component

5. Remove Component

6. Relocate Component From Work Area Using Cart

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Frame Resized For Situation

  • Height and braces adjusted to accommodate clearance needed to rotate engine block onto cart. (Approx. 1500 lbs).
  • Block lifted from stationary frame, then moved over cart in narrow walkway using 2 trolleys in overhead track.

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Conclusion

  • Provides a safe way for a single person to move heavy components while eliminating potential injury due to awkward body positions and or space restrictions .
  • Can be easily assembled / disassembled over existing equipment.
  • Ease of portability to remote locations using small planes, watercraft or by snow machine sled.
  • Current prototype can support up to 2000 lbs safely.
  • Simple, economical device that has potential to reduce labor cost and injury, while providing flexibility for multiple applications.

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