Adjustable Strap System for Crane Conduit Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crane systems for supporting conduits, such as electrical cables and hoses, face issues with permanence, clearance problems, and complexity due to non-adjustable and heavy chain systems, leading to increased installation time and spare parts requirements.

Innovation Solution

A strap system that wraps around conduits with adjustable loops and hooks, including a tensioning mechanism, allowing for secure attachment to a crane structure with reduced length and interchangeable components for easier installation and reduced weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent cradles (trays, bars, angle iron) are used to support conduits, then the conduits are securely supported, but the system creates clearance problems, movement hazards, and cannot be easily adjusted or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit support stabilityVSAvoidadjustability and removability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static permanent cradles to a dynamic chain system that can be easily adjusted, extended, or removed. The chain assembly allows for flexible positioning and can be quickly deployed or stowed, providing both security and adaptability in supporting conduits on mobile equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The chain support system is divided into multiple separate chain assemblies rather than a single permanent structure. Each chain assembly can be independently adjusted, installed, or removed, allowing for flexible configuration and easy adaptation to different conduit sizes and positions without requiring a complete reconfiguration of the support system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If chains are used to support heavy conduits, then the system is removable and adjustable, but the combined weight of conduit and chains increases significantly, and multiple unique chain lengths are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovability and adjustabilityVSAvoidcombined weight of conduit and chains

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The chain assembly is designed as a universal support system that can accommodate various conduit sizes and weights through adjustable configurations. The standardized chain design with consistent link dimensions allows the same chain assembly to be used for different applications, eliminating the need for multiple unique chain lengths and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chains of various lengths are used to support conduits at different locations, then specific conduit positions can be accommodated, but the complexity and time for installation and uninstallation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit position accommodationVSAvoidmultiplicity of chains and locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If permanent cradles are used, then conduits are securely supported, but the system acts as a hazard to those moving and working around the crane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit support securityVSAvoidsafety hazard to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2778108B1Assembly to couple a conduit to a crane

Publication Date: 2015.10.07 MANITOWOC CRANE CO LLC

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AI summary

A system (100) for storing a conduit (15) on a crane includes a crane (400) that has a structure (20) to which a mooring point (25) is attached. A first strap (105) is configured to wrap at least partly around the conduit (15). The strap (105) includes a first end (125) and a second end (130) spaced apart from the first end (125) by a length (120) of the strap (105). The strap (105) includes at least one loop (135) affixed to it, as well as a first hook (170) affixed to either the first end (125) or the second end (130) of the strap. The strap (105) may also include a second hook (205) affixed at the end of the strap opposite from the first hook (170) . A support strap (300) is configured to couple the strap (105) to the crane (400) at a location different from the mooring point (25).