Adjustable Hoist Frame Structure for Low-Height Heavy Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoist structures in bridge cranes face challenges in maximizing hoisting height while maintaining economical manufacturing and ensuring easy installation and maintenance, particularly in adapting to different main support structures.

Innovation Solution

A frame structure for hoists comprising a support frame with opposite plates bent towards each other, an axle between the plates supporting a sheave, and adjustable bearing wheels via detachable wedges or bolts, allowing for simple adaptation to various support structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a hoist is designed for very high lifting capacities (e.g., 500 tons or more), then the lifting capacity is improved, but the frame structure becomes excessively complex and requires multiple separate frame parts connected by numerous fastening connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capacityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate frame parts (first and second frame parts) into a single integrated frame structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for numerous fastening connections between separate components while maintaining the high lifting capacity of 500 tons or more, thereby reducing structural complexity without sacrificing load-bearing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If multiple separate frame parts are used to achieve high lifting capacity, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the number of fastening connections increases leading to more attachment points for reaction forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capacityVSAvoidnumber of fastening connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frame parts into a unified frame structure, which directly reduces the number of fastening connections required. This single integrated structure provides sufficient attachment points for reaction forces while eliminating the excessive number of connections that would result from using multiple separate frame parts, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high lifting capacity and reducing connection complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the hoist is designed with a fixed structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different installation positions and orientations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structure precisionVSAvoidinstallation position adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features into the frame structure, allowing it to adapt to different installation positions and orientations while maintaining manufacturing precision. The dynamic adjustability enables the hoist to be installed in various configurations (different heights, angles, and locations) without requiring custom manufacturing for each scenario, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed precision and flexible adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3724122B1Frame structure of hoist
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 KONECRANES GLOBAL OY
  • EP3724122B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3724122B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3724122B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A frame structure of a hoist, the frame structure (1) comprising a support frame structure (2), a bearing wheel arrangement (3) fastened to the support frame structure (2) by suspenders (4) to support the hoist on a main support structure (12) and to move the hoist on the main support structure (12), whereby the bearing wheel arrangement (3) comprises, in the movement direction of the hoist, bearing wheels (5) arranged on opposite sides thereof, and upper sheave arrangements (6) secured to the support frame structure (2). The support frame structure (2) comprises two plates (7) arranged opposite to and at a distance from each other, the upper parts (8) of the plates are bent towards each other, and in the support frame structure (2) there is arranged an axle (10) passing through both plates (7), on which axle (10) a sheave (11) is arranged between the plates (7), and the bent upper parts (8) of the plates are detachably fastenable by a wedge locking (29) or by a bolt locking (30) to the suspender (4) in order to adjust the mutual distance (s) between the bearing wheels (5) arranged on opposite sides of the support frame structure (2) by means of the suspenders (4).