Crane Boom Segment Connection System for Rapid Pin Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large capacity lift cranes face significant challenges in assembling their elongate boom structures due to the need for precise alignment and pinning of numerous connectors, which are often difficult to reach and require manual labor, leading to lengthy assembly times and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connection system for boom segments featuring alignment surfaces and stop surfaces that allow for easy alignment and rotation of connectors, enabling the insertion of pins even when segments are not axially aligned, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing the time required to connect large boom sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional pin connectors are used to carry compressive loads between chords, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the pin diameter becomes very large and alignment becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a pin connector for alignment and a lug connector for load bearing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the pin having a smaller diameter for easier alignment while the lug structure provides the necessary compressive strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin connector acts as an intermediary element that facilitates alignment between boom segments before the final load-bearing connection is established. The pin with its enlarged head provides a temporary alignment mechanism that guides the connectors into proper position.
2Force
If large pin diameters are used to carry high compressive loads, then the connection can handle very high loads, but the assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pin connector with its enlarged head performs preliminary alignment action before the final load-bearing connection is complete. This preliminary alignment makes subsequent pin insertion much easier and faster, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining load capacity through the lug structure.
3Ease of operation
If boom segments are connected when not axially aligned, then initial connection is easier, but precise alignment of remaining connectors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system allows for dynamic adjustment during assembly. The pin connector enables initial connection at various angles, and the enlarged head provides a pivot point that allows the boom segments to be rotated into proper alignment while maintaining the connection.
4Reliability
If multiple connectors must be precisely aligned and pinned, then the structural integrity is ensured, but the assembly process becomes extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system segments the alignment and load-bearing functions into separate components (pin connector and lug connector). This allows for faster initial connection while maintaining structural integrity through the lug structure that is designed to carry the compressive loads.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A mated connection between two sectional boom members of a crane comprises a first connector 70 on a first sectional boom member and a second connector 80 on a second sectional boom member. Each connector has first and second sets of extensions with apertures therethrough sized to receive a pin. A first pin (95) passes through the apertures of the first set of extensions (71-73a) of the first connector (70) and the first set of extensions (81-82a) of the second connector (80). A second pin (95) passes through the apertures of the second set of extensions (71-73b) of the first connector (70) and a second set of extensions (81, 82b) of the second connector (80). Each connector (70, 80) also comprises a compressive load bearing surface (78, 88) positioned between the first and second sets of extensions. The compressive load bearing surface (78) of the first connector (70) is in face-to-face relationship with the compressive load bearing surface (88) of the second connector (80).