Portable Lifting Manipulator for the Shipboard Environment

Objective:

This effort attempted to reduce healthcare/workers’ comp costs by minimizing the risks associated with lifting while providing a more efficient method for installing heavy ship components. The goal of this project was to design a portable, or semi-portable mechanical lifting device that will have the capability of lifting and positioning steel pipe, ventilation and other ship components in a shipboard environment. The intent is for the technology to replace manual lifting of heavy ship components and the labor intensive use of temporary lifting pads and chain falls, as well as significantly reduce ergonomic-related injuries. A prototype lifting device was created and tested in various shipboard environments. While the prototype does provide a lifting solution, the weight of the device will prevent it from being a usable solution.

Key Deliverables:

Request Final Report from NSRP – Limited Distribution authorized to U.S. shipyards and NSRP ASE Program representatives