Crane Cab Swing-Arm Connector for Transport-Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranes face challenges in changing the position of the cab relative to the frame between operation and transportation positions, leading to increased dimensions and weight of boom attachment parts, which exceed transportation regulations and incur higher costs due to the need for larger trailers.
Innovation Solution
A crane design with a connector that supports the cab swingably, allowing it to change positions between operation and transportation, using lower and upper swing arms attached to the frame at different heights to distribute the load effectively, reducing the height and weight of boom attachment parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cab is positioned laterally from the stewing frame in the front portion for good visibility, then the operator has good visibility, but the width of components exceeds the transportation regulation value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a swing arm mechanism that allows the cab to dynamically change its position between an operation position (laterally deviated for visibility) and a transportation position (aligned with the frame for compact width). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by adapting the cab's position to different operational requirements.
2Strength
If the boom attachment part is located at a higher height position to accommodate the swing arm, then the cab can be supported, but the dimension of the boom attachment part increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes the support function across multiple attachment parts in different spatial dimensions. Instead of concentrating all support load on a single high-positioned boom attachment part, the system uses both upper and lower boom attachment parts along with upper and lower arm attachment parts, effectively spreading the load-bearing function across vertical and horizontal dimensions.
3Strength
If the boom attachment part is located at a higher height position, then the cab can be supported, but the weight of the member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cab support function across multiple attachment parts (upper boom attachment part, lower boom attachment part, upper arm attachment part, lower arm attachment part) rather than relying on a single heavy structure. This segmentation distributes the load-bearing responsibility, allowing each component to be lighter while collectively providing sufficient support strength.
4Device complexity
If a single swing arm is used to support the cab, then the structure is simple, but the boom attachment part must be larger to ensure enough strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional attachment system with upper and lower boom attachment parts and upper and lower arm attachment parts. This multi-dimensional arrangement distributes the mechanical load across different vertical levels and spatial positions, reducing the stress concentration on any single attachment part and thereby reducing their individual dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A crane includes a connector that supports a cab in such a manner that a position of the cab relative to a frame is changeable between an operation position and a transportation position. The connector has a lower swing arm attached to a lower arm attachment part below a first boom attachment part swingably about a swing axis located behind the first boom attachment part and an upper swing arm attached to an upper arm attachment part above the first boom attachment part swingably about the swing axis.