Auxiliary Crane as Derrick Ballast for Counter-Weighting
Solution Overview
Problem
Large cranes require complex and costly ballast systems for counter-weighting, which complicate operation and increase deployment costs due to the need for separate ballast boxes and complex coupling mechanisms, while also posing challenges in preventing tilting and uncontrolled pivoting during load handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an auxiliary crane as derrick ballast, which can drive onto a ballast base plate attached to the derrick boom, simplifying ballast application and decoupling for flexible use, with sensors and adjustable connections to maintain stability and torque, allowing for efficient counter-weight distribution and reduced transportation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a separate ballast box is used as derrick ballast, then the counter-weight function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to separate development and separate transportation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary crane is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as both a functional crane for load handling and as a ballast for counter-weighting during crane operations. This eliminates the need for separate ballast boxes and their associated complexity, while providing the necessary counter-weight function.
2Weight of stationary object
If a separate ballast box is used, then counter-weight is provided, but deployment costs increase due to separate transportation onto the construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary crane and ballast function are merged into a single integrated unit. The auxiliary crane arrives at the construction site as one complete unit, eliminating the need for separate transportation of ballast boxes, thereby reducing deployment time and costs.
3Ease of operation
If an auxiliary crane is used as derrick ballast, then assembly and dismantling complexity is reduced, but the risk of crane tilting to the rear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the crane's stability parameters and provides feedback to determine when the auxiliary crane should be positioned as ballast and when it should be removed. This ensures the crane maintains adequate stability throughout all operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The auxiliary crane can be moved between operational positions and ballast positions, and its mass can be adjusted by adding or removing ballast elements, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining stability.
4Length of moving object
If a very large number of transportation trucks are used on construction site, then load outreach is kept small, but the space requirement on construction site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary crane serves multiple functions including load handling and ballast provision, reducing the need for multiple separate transportation trucks on site. This multi-functionality helps minimize the number of vehicles required and reduces overall space requirements on the construction site.
Data Source
AI summary
A crane may include a travelable undercarriage, a superstructure rotatably supported thereon with a luffable boom system arranged thereon and a derrick boom, with an auxiliary crane being used as derrick ballast. In The auxiliary crane may be driven onto a ballast base plate attached to the derrick boom for the alignment of the boom system in order to thus form at least a large portion of the counter-weight.