Composite Crane Extension Device for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary extension devices for cranes are heavy, complex, and difficult to assemble, limiting the crane's maximum height, load capacity, and horizontal distance, while also being costly and inconvenient to transport.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight auxiliary extension device made from composite materials with fibrous structures, such as carbon, basalt, and glass fibers in a polymeric matrix, optimized for mechanical resistance and ease of assembly, featuring a box-like shape with differentiated compression and traction resistance, and capable of sliding segments for compact transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional steel latticed structure is used for auxiliary extension device, then mechanical strength is sufficient, but weight becomes very heavy (order of a ton)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other fiber-reinforced polymers) to manufacture the auxiliary extension device instead of traditional steel. This substitution maintains the required mechanical strength while dramatically reducing the weight from approximately one ton to a fraction thereof, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Weight of moving object
If auxiliary extension device is made lightweight with composite materials, then weight is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary extension device is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be assembled in sequence. Each segment features standardized connection interfaces (such as bayonet-style or pinned connections) that simplify the assembly process. This segmentation allows the lightweight composite structure to be manufactured in manageable pieces while maintaining ease of assembly through modular design.
3Strength
If auxiliary extension device is made with latticed structure, then strength is adequate, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials with inherent high strength-to-weight ratios, eliminating the need for complex latticed structures. The composite material itself provides the necessary structural strength, allowing for simpler, more streamlined manufacturing processes such as molding or pultrusion, thereby significantly reducing both manufacturing time and cost while maintaining adequate structural strength.
4Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary extension device is heavy, then stability is good, but horizontal distance and maximum height are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite materials enables the creation of a lighter auxiliary extension device that maintains sufficient stability through optimized structural design. The reduced weight allows the crane to achieve greater horizontal distances and maximum heights without compromising stability, as the lighter load reduces the overall moment and stress on the crane system.
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 device allows for increased load capacity and reach while reducing the crane's overall weight, simplifying assembly, and enabling greater heights and horizontal distances with reduced material usage and production time, making it easier to transport and mount manually.
Implementation Method 1
the auxiliary extension device is made of one or more composite materials with a fibrous structure defined by reinforcement fibers immersed in a polymeric matrix
Data Source
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AI summary
Auxiliary extension device for a crane (110) provided with a telescopic extendable arm (111) having at least one end segment (111 c) provided with a free end (111 c'), wherein said auxiliary extension device (10, 100) has a first end (10a, 101 a) configured to be connected to said free end (111 c') and a second end (10b, 102b), opposite said first end (10a, 101 a) and configured for connection of an attachment device (114) for a load (115), wherein said auxiliary extension device (10, 100) is made of one or more composite materials with a fibrous structure defined by reinforcement fibers immersed in a polymeric matrix. Furthermore, said first end (lOa, 101 a) is provided with at least one connection element (13) configured to selectively connect, in a releasable manner, and in a fixed manner, the auxiliary extension device to the end segment (111c).