Conductive Running Cable for Crane Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current crane systems, particularly fast-erecting cranes, face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient electrical power supply to the load hook and trolley without increasing bulkiness or complicating assembly and transport, as existing solutions with trailing cables and spring cable drums are cumbersome and unsuitable for mobile cranes.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an electric traction cable that doubles as a power transmission medium, allowing electrical energy to be supplied to the load hook and trolley via existing running cables, and using conductive trolley and hoist cables with slip ring transmitters to facilitate power distribution, eliminating the need for bulky additional components and enabling easier assembly and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trailing cables and spring cable drums are used to supply electricity to the load hook and trolley, then electrical power connection is available, but the crane becomes bulky and difficult to assemble and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical traction function and electrical power transmission function into a single cable system. The running cable that normally only transmits mechanical forces is modified to include electrical conductors, allowing it to simultaneously transmit both mechanical loads and electrical power to the load hook and trolley, eliminating the need for separate trailing cables and spring cable drums
Solution Approach 2:
The running cable is transformed into a multi-functional component that performs both its original mechanical traction function and an additional electrical power transmission function. This universal cable design allows the same component to serve multiple purposes, reducing overall system complexity and improving ease of assembly and transport while maintaining reliable electrical power connection
2Use of energy by moving object
If trailing cables and spring cable drums are installed on the boom, then electrical power is supplied to moving components, but space requirements increase and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are integrated into the existing running cable structure, merging the electrical power supply function with the mechanical traction function. This eliminates the need for separate trailing cables and spring cable drums that would occupy additional space on the boom, while still providing reliable electrical power to the load hook and trolley
Solution Approach 2:
The running cable becomes a universal component that simultaneously handles mechanical loading and electrical power transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the total space required on the boom, as the same cable structure serves dual purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function
3Reliability
If conventional separate cable systems are used for power transmission, then electrical connection is established, but weight increases and transport capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conductors into the existing running cable structure, combining the electrical connection function with the mechanical traction function. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate trailing cables and spring cable drums, thereby reducing the total weight of the crane while maintaining reliable electrical connection to moving components
Solution Approach 2:
The running cable is designed as a universal multi-functional component that simultaneously transmits mechanical forces and electrical power. This consolidation reduces the total weight of the system compared to using separate dedicated cables for each function, improving the crane's transport capability while ensuring reliable electrical connection
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 provides a simple and efficient electrical power supply to cranes, reducing bulk and complexity, while allowing for flexible operation and transport of cranes, especially in fast-erecting cranes where space and weight are critical.
Implementation Method 1
the running cable (8, 18) is designed to be electrically conductive or is designed as an electric traction rope (18) which comprises at least one electrical conductor (20)
Implementation Method 2
a spring cable drum (16) which is not provided on the trolley (7), but on the load hook (13) or an attachment (15) connected thereto
Implementation Method 3
The trolley traveling cable can be connected to the trolley traveling winch with power supply means, which can preferably have a slip ring transmitter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a crane, in particular a tower crane, with a crane boom (3) from which a load hook (13) can be raised and lowered via a lifting rope (18), and an electrical power supply to the load hook and/or an optional trolley (7) movable on the crane boom, wherein the electrical power supply to the load hook and/or the trolley is provided at least partially via a running rope (8, 18) which transmits tensile forces as intended during crane operation. Control means for controlling an electrical attachment connected to the load hook, which is supplied with electrical energy via the electrical power supply (24), are provided at a control station (22) and/or a radio remote control of the crane.