Bridge Crane Assembly Using Shipping Containers for Field Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In field conditions, such as crisis areas, there is a lack of suitable and reliable lifting capacity for servicing and repairing vehicles and heavy equipment due to the high costs, instability, and safety concerns associated with mobile cranes, and the limitations of movable A-type bridge cranes on uneven ground.
Innovation Solution
A bridge crane assembly utilizing two shipping containers as support structures, with a hoist and crane bridge supported by these frames, allowing for easy mobility, stability, and high lifting capacity, and can be quickly assembled and disassembled by two workers, using twistlocks for secure attachment and potentially transported by helicopter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile crane is used for lifting in field conditions, then lifting capacity is provided, but high investment and maintenance cost, safety risks, and unavailability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge crane is divided into modular components (crane bridges, support frame structures, hoists) that can be transported separately and assembled on-site using containers, eliminating the need for a complete mobile crane unit and reducing associated costs and risks
Solution Approach 2:
Standard shipping containers serve dual purposes as both transport vessels and permanent support structures for the bridge crane, providing a universal solution that works for both logistics and construction support
2Ease of operation
If a movable A-type bridge crane is used on soft or uneven ground, then lifting is possible, but risk of overturning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support moves from direct ground contact to elevated container platforms, changing the dimensional basis of support from ground level to container top level, thereby avoiding ground instability issues
Solution Approach 2:
Containers serve as intermediary structures between the uneven ground and the bridge crane, providing a stable, level platform that isolates the crane from ground conditions
3Stability of the object's composition
If a permanently installed bridge crane is used in depots, then stable lifting capacity is provided, but lack of mobility and high installation cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge crane system transitions from a fixed permanent installation to a dynamic configuration that can be assembled and disassembled as needed, allowing movement between different locations while maintaining operational stability when installed
Solution Approach 2:
Containers are prepared in advance as support structures, and crane components are pre-assembled into modules that can be quickly installed on container tops, enabling rapid deployment without permanent installation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to bridge crane assembly and a method for installation of a bridge crane. The invention is especially applicable for use in service and repair of vehicles and other heavy equipment in field conditions, such as crisis areas. The bridge crane assembly is supported by two containers (91, 92), upon which there are support frames(10, 20). The support frames are fixed to the top corners of the containers with twistlocks (19a-19d, 29a- 29d), and the support frames support a crane bridge (30) with a hoist (40).