Crane Boom Segment Accordion Lattice Webs Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crane boom segments face transportability issues due to large dimensions, which complicates on-site assembly and increases the risk of errors, as they cannot be easily transported in standard containers and require labor-intensive construction.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates accordion-type lattice webs with pivotably interconnected straight elements that fold into a compact configuration for transport, allowing the crane boom segments to be stacked and easily assembled on-site, with central hinges offset to enhance strength and nesting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the crane boom segment dimensions are increased to provide greater strength for lifting heavier loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the transportability deteriorates as the segments cannot fit in standard containers
Solution Approach 1:
The crane boom is divided into multiple segments that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. Each segment contains lattice webs that are further segmented into collapsible sections, allowing the overall structure to be broken down into transportable units while maintaining the capability to form a strong complete structure when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice webs are designed with collapsible sections that can dynamically change between an extended configuration for operational strength and a collapsed configuration for compact transport. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to satisfy both strength requirements during operation and transportability requirements during transit.
2Strength
If the crane boom segment dimensions are increased to provide greater strength, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the assembly complexity increases due to labor-intensive on-site construction
Solution Approach 1:
The crane boom segment is segmented into modular components including planar latticed trusses and lattice webs with collapsible sections. These pre-fabricated modules can be transported separately and quickly assembled on-site, reducing the overall assembly complexity compared to constructing large monolithic structures at the job site.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible lattice webs are designed to nest within themselves when collapsed, with straight elements folding parallel to each other. This nesting capability allows compact storage and transport of multiple lattice webs in a single container, and simplifies the assembly process as they can be easily deployed from their nested state.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard fasteners are used for connecting lattice webs to chords, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates due to insufficient connection robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system combines multiple fastener types (hinges, pins, and complementary fastener members) to create a composite connection structure. This multi-component fastening system provides superior connection robustness compared to standard fasteners alone, while still maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of conventional fastening technologies applied in a coordinated manner.
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 configuration enables compact and lightweight transport of crane boom segments, facilitating quick on-site assembly and increased strength, while allowing for the lifting of high loads and enabling modular, scalable crane configurations.
Implementation Method 1
multiple straight elements that are pivotably interconnected in series by hinges each having a pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A Crane boom segment is provided for assembly of a crane boom by interconnection of multiple crane boom segments from a transport configuration to an operational configuration. The crane boom segment includes a first and second planar latticed truss, each with two chords between which permanent lacing elements extend. Both chords of each planar latticed truss include segment connection parts at their head ends allowing crane boom segments to be connected to each other in series, and in the operational configuration the first and second planar latticed trusses are provided at opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the crane boom segment. A crane boom segment further includes a first and second lattice web, each lattice web connectable to one of the chords of the first planar latticed truss and one of the chords of the second planar latticed truss. A modular crane includes a travelling base frame which allows for travel of said crane over a surface, and a crane boom assembled from crane boom segments, one end of the crane boom being hingedly connected about a substantially horizontal pivot axis to said travelling base frame.