Crane Back Stop Noise Reduction and Greasing Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional back stops for cranes generate abnormal noise due to contact between the inner and outer casings, requiring labor-intensive greasing methods that are inefficient and uncomfortable for operators.

Innovation Solution

A back stop configuration with inner and outer casings and greasing tubes that allow for easy and quick pin-point greasing at contact points, using flexible greasing tubes and a contact member with a lower coefficient of friction to reduce noise and facilitate maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional greasing methods are used with two greasing ports on the outer casing, then grease can be supplied to contact points, but pin-point greasing at the contact point cannot be conducted with ease and requires extracting the back stop from the crane main body and pulling out the inner casing from the outer casing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of greasingVSAvoidtime required for greasing work
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the greasing function into two separate systems: an inner greasing tube for pin-point greasing of the contact point between inner and outer casings, and an outer greasing tube for greasing the contact point between the inner casing outer circumference and outer casing inner circumference. This segmentation allows each greasing point to be addressed independently through its own dedicated tube, eliminating the need to disassemble components for access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner greasing tube acts as an intermediary element that delivers grease directly to the contact point between the inner and outer casings. The tube extends through the inner casing to reach the previously inaccessible contact point, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between the external grease supply and the internal contact surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the front end portion of the inner casing and inner circumference surface of the outer casing come into contact, then abnormal noise is generated, but the contact point is within the outer casing making it difficult to access for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise suppressionVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inner greasing tube is pre-installed within the inner casing during manufacturing, with its discharge port positioned at the contact point between the inner and outer casings. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the greasing pathway is already established and accessible, eliminating the need for complex disassembly operations during routine maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inner greasing tube transitions the greasing access from a three-dimensional external approach to a one-dimensional internal pathway. By routing the grease delivery system through the length of the inner casing to the contact point, the invention creates a direct linear access path that simplifies maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution effectively suppresses abnormal noise generation, reducing operator discomfort and environmental impact while simplifying the greasing process, allowing for quicker and safer maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an inner lubrication tube which is arranged inside the inner casing and has a discharge port connected to a contact point between the inner and outer casings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3424870B1Back stop for crane
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3424870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3424870B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3424870B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a back stop for a crane which eliminates operator's discomfort and adverse effects on surrounding environment due to generation of abnormal noise and enables greasing work to be facilitated. A back stop 40 includes an outer casing 41 having a base end portion turnably connected to a boom or a crane main body and an opening portion 44 opened in the outer casing front end portion; an inner casing 42 having a base end portion turnably connected to the crane main body or the boom and having a front end portion side slidably fitted into the outer case 41 through the opening portion 44; and a greasing tube 51 arranged in the outer casing 41 or the inner casing 42. An inlet 56 of the greasing tube 51 is arranged outside of the outer casing 41 or outside of the inner casing 42 on the base end portion side on which the greasing tube 51 is arranged. A discharge port 61 of the greasing tube 51 is attached to a front end portion of the inner casing 42.