Vehicle Crane Ballast System Height and Base Area Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crane vehicle ballast systems are limited in their ability to efficiently utilize space due to dependence on the position of the pivot point of the total ballast, restricting the height of the ballast pieces and requiring a larger base area, which in turn increases the space requirement of the swing-out superstructure.
Innovation Solution
The crane vehicle is equipped with lifting means, such as hydraulic cylinders with extendable piston rods and additional load-receiving points, which allow for the absorption of forces and moments, enabling the ballast system to be independent of the pivot point's position and optimizing space utilization by allowing taller ballast pieces with a reduced base area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the ballast system depends on the position of the pivot point of the total ballast, then the lifting means can only absorb forces, but the height of ballast pieces is limited and the base area must be larger, increasing the space requirement of the swing-out superstructure
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting means are extended beyond the first load-receiving points to include a second load-receiving point at their end, adding a dimensional extension that enables moment absorption capability. This extension transforms the lifting means from simple force-absorbing elements into bi-fuctional components that can handle both forces and moments, thereby resolving the contradiction between ballast piece height and base area requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting means are extended with a second load-receiving point to absorb moments, then the ballast system becomes independent of the pivot point position, but the lifting means structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting means are designed to perform multiple functions: absorbing forces at the first load-receiving point and absorbing moments through the extended second load-receiving point. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for force and moment absorption, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting means are made adjustable in length and position, allowing them to adapt to different ballast configurations and pivot point positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain independence from specific pivot point locations while managing the complexity through flexible, reconfigurable structures
3Area of stationary object
If the base area of ballast pieces is reduced to decrease the space requirement of the swing-out superstructure, then the height of ballast pieces must be increased to maintain the same ballast weight, but this may affect the stability of the ballast system
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the lifting means with a second load-receiving point, the system gains moment absorption capability that compensates for the reduced base area. This dimensional extension in the vertical direction allows the ballast pieces to be taller with smaller footprints while maintaining stability through the additional moment-resisting capability
4Device complexity
If the lifting means can only absorb forces, then the design is simpler, but the space utilization is not optimized and larger base areas are required
Solution Approach 1:
The extension of lifting means with a second load-receiving point adds vertical dimensionality to the force transmission path, enabling moment absorption. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization in the swing-out superstructure by reducing the required base area of ballast pieces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The vehicle has a base plate (16) supported on a lower carriage. Two vertical hydraulic cylinders are fastened at a part of an upper carriage. Piston rods (20) of the cylinders have retaining plates that form a load carrying point. The retaining plates are retracted into a recess from connection rods arranged at the base plate, to reach slots. The piston rods extend over the retaining plates, and another load carrying point is formed at the extended end of the piston rods. The latter point is engaged into corresponding form-adapted recess of the connection rods.