The use of a self-balancing I-beam with a counterweight and motor simplifies moving heavy loads that are inaccessible for cranes. The beam cannot be overloaded, as the counterweight will not balance the load, and thus acts as an automatic safety device

Edwards, O. H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

March 1964
NASA TECH BRIEF
Brief 63-10571 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Self-Balancing Beam Permits Safe, Easy Load Handling Under Overhang 
Reduction Motor 
The problem: Moving heavy machine parts or 
other loads when they are located under an over-
hang so that a crane cannot be used directly. A 
similar problem is encountered in moving machinery 
or heavy parts through windows or doorways. 
The solution: An I-beam with a motor-driven bal-
ance that can be quickly positioned to balance the 
load. 
How it's done: An I-beam and a counterweight are 
selected to suit the size and weight of the load to be 
handled. (In one particular application at Marshall 
Space Flight Center, the maximum load is 150C 
pounds.) A hoisting eye is mounted near the center
of the beam chosen. One end of the beam is con- 
structed to hold the load while a motor is placed at the 
other end and geared to drive a lead screw. Turning 
the lead screw moves the counterweight along the 
beam. 
Use of the balancing beam is extremely simple. The 
load is first secured to the beam. Then the counter- 
weight is moved to a point on the beam exactly bal- 
ancing the load. The load is then guided into place. 
(Only one man is required to guide a 1500-lb. load 
into place in the application at MSFC.) 
The beam cannot be overloaded. Should an over- 
load be attempted, the counterweight will not be able 
to balance, and this acts as an automatic safety factor. 
-	 -	
-	 (continued overleal) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Gosern. 
ment, nor NASA. nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
ri g hts; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damag es resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19630000115 2020-03-11T16:48:11+00:00Z
Notes:	 could not hold the load until it clears an obstruc-
1. Use of this beam can greatly simplify many	 lion. 
	
types of load moving jobs in manufacturing and	 3. Loads of any weight or shape, can be handled 
	
storage operations and in shops where heavy corn- 	 with this device by selection of the proper beam 
	
ponents must be handled in limited space or the 	 and counterweight. 
	
hoisting cable cannot be attached directly to the 	 Patent status: NASA encourages commercial use 
machine. of this innovation. No patent action is contemplated 
2. Safety alone would justify use of this balancing	 by NASA. 
beam in many load handling operations. Not only 
	
is overload prevented but the lift can be made 	 Source: 0. H. Edwards 
	
vertically upward where a standard hoisting cable	 Marshall Space Flight Center (M-FS-84) 
Brief 63-10571


Self-balancing beam permits safe, easy load handling under overhang

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