Auxiliary Hoist Setup System for Mobile Cranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for setting up auxiliary hoists on mobile cranes require significant labor and attention, as they often rely on the counterweight hoist system, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in the setup process.

Innovation Solution

A setup system with position-adjustable and compensating feet and a rigging mechanism that allows for the auxiliary hoist to be translated into a vertical position, enabling semi-automatic or automatic setup, separate from the counterweight hoist system, using hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical drives, and featuring adjustable footrests to accommodate manufacturing tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the counterweight hoist system is used to set up the auxiliary hoist, then the auxiliary hoist can be moved and attached to the crane, but the setup process requires a great deal of labor and attention from the operator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup processVSAvoidsetup process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary hoist is equipped with its own self-contained setup system including a setup mechanism with drive unit, rigging attachments, and position-adjustable feet. This allows the auxiliary hoist to be set up independently without requiring the counterweight hoist system or extensive operator intervention, thereby reducing labor requirements while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The setup system is divided into separate functional modules: the auxiliary hoist frame with rigging attachments for crane mounting, the setup mechanism with drive unit for positioning, and the position-adjustable feet for level adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall setup process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the counterweight hoist system is used to set up the auxiliary hoist, then the auxiliary hoist can be positioned, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant operator attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup speedVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary hoist's self-contained setup system enables independent positioning without requiring the counterweight hoist system. The integrated drive unit and rigging attachments allow the auxiliary hoist to be set up quickly and efficiently, reducing both setup time and operator attention requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The position-adjustable feet are pre-configured on the auxiliary hoist frame, allowing immediate level adjustment upon placement. The rigging attachments are pre-positioned to engage with the crane structure, enabling rapid setup without time-consuming adjustments during the positioning process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the auxiliary hoist is moved using the counterweight hoist system, then the auxiliary hoist can be attached to the crane, but the counterweight hoist system must be misused or adapted for this task

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehoist systemVSAvoidsetup accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The setup functionality is extracted from the counterweight hoist system and integrated into the auxiliary hoist itself. The auxiliary hoist now carries its own drive unit, rigging attachments, and position-adjustable feet, eliminating the need to adapt or misuse the counterweight hoist system and ensuring dedicated setup accuracy for the auxiliary hoist

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigging attachments serve as an intermediary mechanism between the auxiliary hoist and the crane structure. These dedicated attachments provide reliable engagement with the crane's mounting points, ensuring accurate and secure positioning without requiring adaptation of the counterweight hoist system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the complexity and labor intensity of the setup process, ensuring it can be performed quickly and accurately, with reproducible results, and allows for the auxiliary hoist to be positioned correctly without misusing the counterweight hoist system.

Implementation Method 1

the rigging includes a hydraulic lift cylinder device that raises the auxiliary hoist frame away from or from a base member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic lift: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

at least one position-adjustable and/or position-compensating foot is arranged on the underside or the side of the support base or base plate facing away from the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition compensation:

Data Source

PatentEP2423149B1Mounting for an auxiliary lifting device on a mobile crane
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE
  • EP2423149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2423149B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP2423149B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The system has auxiliary lifting device-mounting attachments i.e. bolts (16, 26), attached at a steel frame of a mobile crane-auxiliary lifting device (10) for attaching the auxiliary lifting device at a mobile crane. Mounting units i.e. piston and/or cylinder units (32, 40), attach the steel frame of the auxiliary lifting device and/or the bolts in a mounting position. The piston and/or cylinder units are connected with a supporting base or a base plate (28). The piston and/or cylinder units are electrically, hydraulically and/or pneumatically driven and/or actuated. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a mounting installation for an auxiliary lifting device on a mobile crane, comprising a mounting system (2) a method for mounting an auxiliary lifting device on a mobile crane.