Climbing Crane Gripper Locking for Anti-Fall Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tower cranes occupy significant ground space, require multiple units for operation, obstruct traffic, are complex and heavy, and lack safety features such as anti-fall mechanisms and rotation limiting parts, making them unsuitable for high hoisting tasks and inclined structures.

Innovation Solution

An automatic climbing crane with grippers equipped with bolts for secure locking, gripper driving mechanisms for angle control, rotation limiting parts, and hydraulic systems for stable climbing, along with safety switches and supporting seats for enhanced stability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If tower cranes are used for hoisting, then hoisting capability is achieved, but ground space occupation increases and traffic obstruction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehoisting capabilityVSAvoidground space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The climbing crane is divided into multiple sections that can climb incrementally along the column body, allowing the crane to move vertically without occupying ground space. The segmented structure enables the crane to ascend step-by-step, maintaining hoisting capability while eliminating the need for large ground footprints associated with traditional tower cranes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The climbing crane employs a dynamic climbing mechanism with movable holding mechanisms that can attach and detach from the column body at different positions. This dynamic system allows the crane to progress vertically along the column while maintaining stability, resolving the contradiction between achieving height and occupying ground space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If tower cranes are arranged on the ground, then hoisting operation is possible, but multiple cranes are required which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehoisting operationVSAvoidcrane system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The climbing crane integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can hoist loads, climb vertically along the column body, and position itself at different heights. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate cranes, reducing system complexity while maintaining full hoisting operation capability throughout the construction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If holding mechanism only controls tightness of holding hoop, then simple structure is maintained, but opening and closing angle control is lost and crossbeams cannot be avoided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding mechanism structureVSAvoidclimbing smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding mechanism incorporates a movable gripping component that can dynamically adjust its opening and closing angle along the arc trajectory. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the gripper to navigate around crossbeams and other obstructions on the column body while maintaining secure attachment, enhancing climbing smoothness without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If anti-fall mechanism is not provided, then structure is simpler, but safety is greatly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism structureVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The climbing crane is equipped with an anti-fall mechanism that acts as a safety cushion before actual failure can occur. This mechanism includes backup holding components and limit switches that engage automatically if the primary holding mechanism fails, preventing falls and ensuring operator safety. The anti-fall system adds minimal structural complexity while dramatically improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

5Device complexity

If rotation limiting part is not arranged, then structure is simpler, but slippage and rotation between gripper and supporting body occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripper structureVSAvoidholding stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A rotation limiting part is introduced as an intermediary element between the gripper and the column body. This component prevents unwanted rotation and slippage by providing a mechanical constraint that maintains proper alignment during climbing operations. The rotation limiter adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving holding stability and preventing operational failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

6Device complexity

If gripper release and holding states are not linked, then control is simpler, but safety hazards such as simultaneous release occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidholding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms including limit switches and interlocks that monitor the state of each holding mechanism and prevent simultaneous release. When one gripper is in the release state, the system automatically ensures another gripper remains in the holding state through electrical interlocks. This feedback-based control adds minimal complexity while dramatically improving holding reliability and preventing safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4696638A1Automatic climbing crane
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 BROAD BSB CO
  • EP4696638A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696638A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696638A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic climbing crane comprises a body and a crane platform arranged on the upper part of the body. The body is provided with a plurality of spaced holding mechanisms and a climbing driving mechanism for controlling the body to climb up and down along a supporting body; each holding mechanism comprises a gripper and a gripper driving mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the gripper; and an opening and closing end of the gripper is provided with a bolt for the gripper to lock the supporting body. On the one hand, the present invention can prevent the automatic climbing crane from falling and greatly improve the safety; and on the other hand, the present invention can enable the holding mechanisms to obtain stable support during operation, and improve the safety and the stability of the automatic climbing crane.