Crane Axle Lifter Using Flexible Straps and Horizontal Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 'dock walk' phenomenon occurs when crane axles separate from the ground during lifting operations, leading to unpredictable and undesirable forward movement when the crane returns to over-the-road travel, and existing solutions lack flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing flexible connectors, such as straps or cables, connected to axles and horizontally moving cylinders, allows for independent raising and lowering of axles relative to the crane chassis, eliminating the need for rigid hooks and enhancing operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid hooks are used to lift axles, then axle positioning is achieved, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid hooks with flexible straps that can be routed around cribbing and other obstacles. The flexible nature of the straps allows them to adapt to different axle positions and support configurations, providing operational flexibility while maintaining axle positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable components including telescoping boom sections and movable outriggers that can be positioned at various angles and heights. This dynamic positioning capability allows the crane to accommodate different axle locations and cribbing arrangements without requiring complex rigid structures.
2Reliability
If axles are raised during lifting operations, then dock walk is eliminated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axle lifting system is integrated with the crane's existing hydraulic system. The same hydraulic power source that operates the boom and outriggers also powers the axle lifting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex lifting systems. The flexible straps are simply routed through existing structural points and secured with standard fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system serves multiple functions: it operates the boom, controls the outriggers, and lifts the axles. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple lifting operations into a single integrated hydraulic system rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible connectors are used instead of rigid hooks, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the operator can feel the tension and position of the flexible straps through hand signals or simple mechanical indicators. This tactile feedback allows for precise axle positioning despite the flexible nature of the connectors, as the operator can adjust the strap tension and position in real-time based on visual and tactile cues.
Solution Approach 2:
Before lifting the axles, the operator pre-positions the flexible straps and establishes the desired axle height and orientation. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the hydraulic system activates, the axles are raised to the correct position with precision, as the flexible straps are already configured to guide and constrain the axle movement path.
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 system effectively reduces or eliminates the 'dock walk' phenomenon by allowing precise control over axle positioning, enhancing operational efficiency, and accommodating various crane configurations, including cribbing arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder including a rod adapted for substantially horizontal movement for raising or lowering the axle by virtue of movement of the strap
Implementation Method 2
a bearing for supporting the strap during the lifting and lowering of the axle. In one particular embodiment, the bearing comprises a roller
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for lifting one or more axles on a lifting machine, such as a crane including a chassis, relative to the ground. The system includes a lifter for raising or lowering the axle relative to the ground. The lifter comprising a flexible connector, such as a strap, for connecting with the axle and/or a cylinder including a rod connected to the connector and adapted for substantially horizontal movement for raising or lowering the first axle. A bearing may also be provided for supporting the flexible connector during the lifting and lowering of the axle. The system may be applied to multiple axles for independent or simultaneous operation. Related methods are also provided.