Mobile Crane Ballast Device Merging Elements for Lift Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ballasting procedure for mobile cranes requires multiple lifts and is time-consuming and accident-prone due to the need for individual handling of ballast elements, which increases the risk of accidents and costs.

Innovation Solution

A ballast device with a first and second ballast element, where the first element has connection means for releasable fastening to the crane and both elements can be connected via second connection means, allowing for secure and simple raising of both elements above their total center of gravity, reducing the number of lifts required and ensuring automatic orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual ballast elements are handled separately during mounting, then each element can be positioned independently, but the number of lifts increases and the process becomes time-consuming and accident-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent positioning of ballast elementsVSAvoidTime for mounting ballast elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ballast elements into a single integrated ballast assembly that can be handled as one unit. The assembly device includes a lifting mechanism that raises the entire ballast assembly (multiple elements) simultaneously, reducing the number of separate lifts from four to two. This merging of elements into a unified assembly maintains independent positioning capability while significantly reducing time and accident risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate lifts are used for mounting ballast elements, then each element can be positioned precisely, but the risk of accidents increases and the process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePositioning precision of ballast elementsVSAvoidSafety during ballast mounting

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple ballast elements into a single assembly that can be lifted together, the patent reduces the number of operations where accidents can occur. The assembly device provides a controlled lifting mechanism that raises the entire ballast assembly in one operation, maintaining positioning precision while reducing the cumulative risk associated with multiple separate lifts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ballast elements are pre-assembled into a unified assembly before being lifted into position. This preliminary assembly ensures that the elements are already correctly positioned relative to each other, so that when the entire assembly is raised in a single lift, the positioning precision is maintained without the risks of multiple separate handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If ballast elements are handled individually, then flexible positioning is achieved, but the number of connection operations increases and the process becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePositioning flexibility of ballast elementsVSAvoidSpeed of ballast mounting

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple ballast elements into a single assembly that can be positioned in one operation. The assembly device enables the entire ballast assembly to be raised and positioned simultaneously, reducing the number of connection operations from multiple individual connections to a single assembly operation. This maintains positioning flexibility while dramatically improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the ballasting process by reducing the number of lifts needed from four to two, enhancing safety by moving the work steps closer to the base and reducing the risk of accidents.

Implementation Method 1

an abutment means for raising the ballast device, in particular for raising the first ballast element above its center of gravity or for a common raising of both ballast elements above their total center of gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The respective elements are then held securely in position by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11795040B2Ballast device and mobile crane having same

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 LIEBHERR WERK EHINGEN

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a ballast device for fastening to a crane having first and second ballast elements. The first ballast element has first connection means for a releasable fastening to the crane, while both ballast elements are releasably connected to one another via second connection means. According to the disclosure, the first ballast element comprises an assembly device having abutment elements to which an abutment means can be attached to raise the ballast device. The abutment elements are arranged or are positionable such that the abutment means can be selectively attached to the assembly device for raising only the first ballast element above its center of gravity or for commonly raising both ballast elements above their total center of gravity. The disclosure further relates to a mobile crane having at least one such ballast device.