Anti-Two Block System for Crane Boom Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane systems lack an effective mechanism to prevent the two-block system from being pulled into the boom end, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential damage during lifting operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an anti-two block system with a rigid body, sensor, and spring biasing mechanism that aligns with the cable and sheave pin, allowing the system to rotate and prevent excessive movement of the hook, utilizing a controller to limit hoist operation when the sensor detects upward loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hook is allowed to move freely during lifting operations, then the lifting operation can proceed without restriction, but the two-block system may be pulled into the boom end causing operational inefficiencies and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-two block system applies a preliminary counteracting force through the spring-biased rigid body that prevents the hook from moving too far upward. The spring mechanism creates a pre-loaded counterforce that engages before damage can occur, stopping the upward movement of the two-block system relative to the boom end.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid body acts as an intermediary element between the hook and the boom end. It transfers and controls the forces between these components, allowing the system to safely limit the upward movement of the two-block system while maintaining normal lifting operations.
2Reliability
If a sensor and controller are added to prevent hook movement, then the two-block system is protected from damage, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased rigid body is a self-regulating mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the position and load conditions. The spring provides automatic biasing force that activates the protective function without requiring external control signals or complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing and control systems with a purely mechanical spring-biased rigid body mechanism. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall system by using inherent mechanical properties (spring force, rigid body positioning) to achieve the protective function without sensors or controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rigid body is biased against the sheave pin with a spring, then automatic alignment with the cable is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased rigid body creates a force equilibrium that naturally aligns the extensions with the cable. The spring force maintains the rigid body in a position where gravitational and elastic forces balance, automatically orienting the system along the cable direction without requiring active control or complex positioning mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures reliable alignment of the anti-two block system with the cable, preventing the two-block system from being pulled into the boom end, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency by automatically adjusting to maintain alignment and preventing over-winding.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the body of the anti-two block system to a pin of the sheave
Implementation Method 2
The weight of the body of the anti-two block system rotates the body such that the extensions are substantially aligned with the cable between the end of the boom and hook as the boom rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A crane assembly includes an anti-two block system having a rigid body, a sensor configured to detect upward loading of the body, and a spring biasing the body to a pin of a sheave. The body includes a base, two extensions projecting perpendicularly upward from the base and extending outside the sheave on opposite sides thereof, and a fitting on upper ends of the extensions. The fitting couples to the pin of the sheave such that the body is configured to rotate about the pin. The crane assembly further includes a controller comprising logic configured to prevent movement of a hook in response to a signal from the sensor of the anti-two block system. The weight of the body of the anti-two block system rotates the body such that the extensions are substantially aligned with a cable between an end of a boom and a hook as the boom rotates.