Mobile Crane Ballast Mounting Using Adapter on Lifting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile cranes require an additional lifting device to assemble and disassemble ballast elements, which is inconvenient and increases operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The mobile crane uses its existing lifting and lowering device, equipped with an adapter, to mount and demount the ballast element on the superstructure, eliminating the need for a separate lifting device by integrating the ballast assembly process into the crane's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional lifting device is provided to assemble and disassemble ballast elements, then the ballast element can be mounted on the superstructure, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ballast assembly function with the existing lifting and lowering device. The lifting and lowering device, originally designed for other crane operations, is modified to also handle ballast elements by equipping it with an adapter. This merging eliminates the need for a separate additional lifting device, reducing device complexity while maintaining ballast assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting and lowering device is designed to perform multiple functions: its original crane operations function and the new ballast assembly function. By making the lifting and lowering device universal, the patent eliminates the need for specialized additional equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity and device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional lifting device is provided to assemble and disassemble ballast elements, then the ballast element can be mounted on the superstructure, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ballast assembly operation with the existing lifting and lowering device operations. Since the same device is used for both crane operations and ballast assembly, the operational procedures are integrated into the existing operational framework, reducing operational complexity despite maintaining full ballast assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting and lowering device is made universal to handle both traditional crane lifting tasks and ballast element assembly. This multi-functionality allows operators to use a single familiar device for multiple purposes, eliminating the need to learn and operate additional specialized equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If the ballast element is transported on a separate transport vehicle, then the permissible axle loads are not exceeded during road travel, but the assembly process requires additional equipment and time
Solution Approach 1:
The crane performs the ballast assembly operation itself using its own lifting and lowering device equipped with an adapter. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external additional lifting equipment and reduces assembly time. The ballast element is still transported separately on a transport vehicle to comply with axle load limits, but the assembly process becomes more efficient as the crane handles its own ballast installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mobile crane, in particular a mobile construction crane, with a substructure (1) having a chassis and a superstructure (2) rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation, wherein a lifting and/or lowering device (30) is arranged on the substructure and at least one ballast element (50) can be arranged on the superstructure, which can be transported on a separate transport vehicle during road travel, wherein the ballast element can be arranged on the lifting and/or lowering device and can be mounted on the superstructure using the lifting and/or lowering device.