Manual Manipulators

Manual Manipulators:
An Efficient Lifting Device for Easy, Precise and Tactile Manipulation of Lighter Loads

When it comes to a lifting device for handling loads, there are several solutions depending on the need for lifting capacity, precision, complexity and manipulation.

At 2Lift we operate with three main types of handling equipment: manual manipulators, electrical manipulators, and non-manipulators. Each type of manipulator has its characteristics and advantages.

In short:

– Electrical manipulators can lift very heavy objects, offer advanced features and require less physical effort. However, these benefits are also often reflected in the price.
– Non-manipulators are relatively simple devices that only hold or support the load while the lifter itself performs a vertical movement of the load.
– Manual manipulators are ideal for lighter loads and provide the operator with full and precise hand-operated control over the manipulation of the load.

In this article, we will dive into the advantages of manual manipulators, how they work, and why they remain an indispensable tool in many industrial settings.

Our Selection of Manual Lifting Devices for Load Manipulation

Our Manual Manipulators Offer Five Ways to Move (Manipulate) a Load
– When Merely Lifting Something Up and Down Isn’t Enough!

Unlike a non-manipulator lifting device, which can only hold or passively support a load while the lifter lifts it up and down, a manipulator can offer many different movement options, also known as degrees of freedom.

Within our range of manual manipulators, we can offer many degrees of freedom, including:

– Sideways rotation (with our MRU – Manual Rotation Unit, MRM Manual Roll Manipulator)
– Horizontal rotation (with our VB – V-Block)
– Sideways swinging (with our SU – Swing Unit)
– Forward movement (with our RCA – Rail Crane Arm)
– Forward tipping (with our MTU – Manual Tipping Unit, MRM – Manual Roll Manipulator, and STU – Simple Tipping Unit)

How Manual Manipulators Can Hold a Load

Besides being able to move a load in multiple directions, manual manipulators can also hold, support or grip the load via various means.

This is accomplished through:

– Top-Down Lifting: Lifting the load from the top via a chain and hook/carabiner, using tools like our RCA – Rail Crane Arm.
– Bottom-Up Lifting: Supporting the load (rolls) from below with a special rotational platform, with tools such as our VB – V-Block
– Inner-Grip Lifting: Gripping the load (rolls) through the inner core with tools such as our MRM – Manual Roll Manipulator.

Sometimes Non-Manipulators Lend Manual Manipulators a Helping Hand (or Grip)

Just as is the case with electrical manipulators, when the load to be handled needs to be held by its outer perimeter via a side-grip, a non-manipulator must be used. We have several non-manipulators, both electrical and manual, that can perform such a task.

The most common lifting devices with side grips for handling boxes or drums are various forms of clamps e.g. scissor clamps or linear clamps. For more information, please refer to our non-manipulators section.

Often, the Best Solution for Moving and Gripping Involves a Mix of Electrical and Manual Features

When it comes to identifying the optimal solution for a particular scenario, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Each situation is different, and we take the time to assess all available options to deliver the most effective, solution for your needs. And in some instances integrating both electrical and manual functions within a lifting device can provide notable benefits.

For example when you need to hold and lift a load that is not too heavy, using a manual tool to grip the load is often a good idea. However, if you need to turn the load and while keeping it balanced away from its centre of gravity, adding an electrical turning unit can help reduce physical effort.

The Way That Manual Manipulators Are Powered and Controlled Offers a Very High Degree of Precision

Manual and electrical manipulators share many similar features, such as offering various movement options. However, they differ considerably in terms of how they are powered and operate. This distinction is clearly reflected in the names of the categories: electrical vs. manual manipulators.

Manual manipulators:

– Are powered by human force
– Perform their functions through direct hand operation on the load or by using hand cranks or handles on a wheel

These features provide manual manipulators with a very high degree of control and precision.

Unsure When a Manual Lifting Device Is the Best Solution?
– Here Are the Situations Where Manual Manipulators Prove Advantageous

Once you have determined that more complex movements are required beyond just vertical lifting, the next question is whether to use an electrical or manual manipulator. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider a manual lifting device:

– The load is relatively light and does not require the power of electrical systems.
– You have easy access to the load, with no physical or spatial restrictions preventing you from being in close proximity to it – in other words, you are able to touch it directly.
– You are able to turn or tip the load close to its centre of gravity. When the shape of the load allows you to turn or tip it close to its centre of gravity, a manual manipulator is ideal because it will offer you more direct control over the load while not having to spend a lot of effort moving it.

In this way some of the advantages of a manual manipulator compared to an electrical one are:

– You can manipulate with a high degree of tactile control and precision.
– You can manipulate lighter loads as quickly as you want to. Electrical manipulators are limited to specific speeds when turning or tipping loads, while manual manipulators have no such restrictions, allowing you to control the speed as you see fit.
– They are often less costly than electrical manipulators as they are typically less complex

Lift Smart, not Hard
– Design and Ergonomic Safety Measures for Manual Manipulators

To ensure operator safety when using our manual manipulators, as a minimum we focus on two key aspects during the design phase: simplicity of design and thorough ergonomic assessments.

Simplicity in Design Enhances User Safety

The more movement options a lifting device can perform, the higher the safety requirements. Therefore, we strive to keep our manipulators as simple as possible while still being capable of performing the desired tasks.

By keeping our manipulators simple in design, with as few degrees of freedom as possible, we reduce the risk of error, as the operator has fewer ways to manipulate the load.

This also means that, in terms of safety, both electrical and manual manipulators require higher safety standards than non-manipulators.

Ensuring Safety Through Ergonomic Assessment of the Human Force Required

To ensure that a manual manipulator can be used effectively without placing unnecessary physical strain on the operator, we always conduct a thorough ergonomic assessment of the human requirements for performing the lifting task.

In order to keep the strain well below the ergonomic guidelines and limits, we do a thorough examination of how the task affects the operator via:

– Identification of the task which determines which posture, arm movement and grip are required by the operator.
– Measurement of force on the basis of weight, size and movement – how much physical strength is needed by the operator

When we have conducted our assessment and designed a prototype, we do practical tests of the manipulator in different scenarios to assess the operator’s comfort level. Then we adjust the manipulator’s design if necessary.

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, if you have any questions or concerns.

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