Adaptable Boom Extension for Mobile Crane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile crane boom extensions are limited in versatility, as they cannot achieve a shorter lift point without deploying the full extension section, diminish main boom capacity, and do not allow simultaneous use of multiple hoist lines.
Innovation Solution
A boom extension assembly with a shorter 'fly' section that can be connected to the head end of the boom assembly independently, featuring a first portion with sheaves for one hoist line and a second portion that remains stowed, allowing for independent use of multiple hoist lines and increased lifting capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a folded boom extension is stowed alongside the boom assembly and pivoted into an operative position to extend the effective length, then the effective length of the boom assembly is increased, but the main boom capacity is diminished and the arrangement lacks versatility for shorter lift points
Solution Approach 1:
The boom extension is divided into multiple separable sections (fly section with first and second portions, and optional jib section) that can be connected in different configurations. The first portion can be used alone for shorter extensions, or connected to the second portion and/or jib section for longer extensions, providing versatile adaptability for different lift point requirements while maintaining main boom capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom extension system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling the fly section to be selectively connected or disconnected from the main boom assembly and between its own portions. This dynamic adaptability lets operators optimize the boom configuration for each specific lifting task, achieving shorter lift points when needed without committing to deploying the full extension length.
2Length of moving object
If the fly section is connected to the head end of the boom assembly to extend the boom, then the effective length is increased, but the main boom capacity is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the full boom extension to be deployed, the system enables partial action by allowing the first portion of the fly section to be used independently for shorter extensions. This partial deployment maintains closer proximity to the main boom assembly, preserving greater main boom capacity while still achieving the needed extension for specific lifting tasks.
3Length of moving object
If a conventional boom extension design is used, then the boom length can be extended, but multiple hoist lines cannot be used simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The boom extension system is designed with universal functionality to support multiple hoist lines simultaneously. The fly section and its portions are configured with appropriate attachment points and structural features that enable independent routing and operation of multiple hoist lines, allowing the crane to perform complex lifting operations with multiple loads or distributed weight scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile crane includes a boom extension assembly carried alongside a telescoping boom assembly in a stowed position. The boom extension assembly includes a fly section with a first portion adapted for being connected to the head end of the boom assembly in an operative position while a second portion of the fly section adapted for being connected to the first portion remains in the stowed position. The first portion of the fly section may: (1) be shorter in length than the corresponding second portion of the fly section; (2) include sheaves for supporting a hoist line; (3) include a tapered end; or (4) be used in combination with two additional sections of the boom extension assembly. A related method includes connecting a first, shorter portion of a fly section to a head end of a telescoping boom assembly while a second portion remains in a stowed position.