Cantilevered Crane System with Open Sides and Vibration Dampening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional overhead crane systems in facilities often have limited access due to their enclosed design, making it difficult to efficiently deliver and remove materials, especially in areas where space constraints prevent the use of traditional column-supported configurations.

Innovation Solution

A cantilevered crane system with cantilevered header assemblies that include upright columns and horizontally oriented headers with free ends, supporting runway rails and bridge rails, allowing for open sides that enable access via fork lifts or similar means, and incorporating vibration dampening assemblies to mitigate harmonic vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional column-supported crane configurations are used, then structural stability is achieved, but access and material delivery are restricted due to enclosed design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess for material deliveryVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The crane system is divided into separate column assemblies and header assemblies that can be independently configured. The headers are segmented to create open sides while maintaining structural integrity through the column-support-system configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of supporting headers from below with columns on all sides (traditional approach), the invention inverts the support configuration by using cantilevered headers supported at one end by columns, creating open access on the opposite side while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If open sides are created for better access, then material delivery efficiency improves, but structural stability and vibration control become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial delivery efficiencyVSAvoidharmonic vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Vibration dampening assemblies are introduced as intermediary components between the header and column assemblies. These dampeners act as mediators that absorb and dissipate harmonic vibrations generated by crane operations, protecting the structural integrity while allowing open-sided configuration for efficient material delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Vibration dampening assemblies are pre-installed on the header assemblies before operation. This beforehand cushioning prepares the structure to absorb and mitigate harmonic vibrations before they propagate through the system, ensuring stable operation during material delivery activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If cantilevered header assemblies are used to create open sides, then access for forklifts is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess for forkliftsVSAvoidcrane system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The column and header assemblies are designed as universal, modular components that can be configured to create open sides in different locations while maintaining the same basic structural design. This multi-functionality allows the same assembly type to serve various access requirements without increasing inherent device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The cantilevered crane system provides a workstation with multiple open sides, facilitating easy delivery and removal of materials, enhancing operational efficiency and access within factory or warehouse environments while maintaining structural stability and reducing vibration impacts.

Implementation Method 1

the header assembly incorporates a vibration dampening assembly to reduce the impact of harmonic vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10640335B2Cantilevered crane system for a factory work station

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 KONECRANES GLOBAL OY

AI summary

A workstation having a cantilevered crane system that includes one or more cantilevered header assemblies, with each cantilevered header assembly including an upright column and a horizontally oriented header, with the header extending from the column with a free end distal from the column. The headers support a pair of runway rails, with at least one bridge rail movably mounted to the runway rails and supporting a moveable hoist. The cantilevered crane system defines a workstation area bounded by the columns and headers, with the workstation area including an open side adjacent the free ends of the headers.