Mobile Crane Counterweight Assembly Unit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger mobile cranes require dismantling and reassembling counterweight components for transport, increasing setup time and safety risks due to the need for multiple lifts and connections of suspension weights.
Innovation Solution
A counterweight device with a carrier plate and suspension weights designed as an assembly unit that can be lifted and transported together, eliminating individual lifts and connections, and featuring secondary connection means to secure the assembly during lifting and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suspension weights are individually lifted and connected to the carrier plate, then the counterweight device can be assembled with proper stability, but the setup time increases and safety risks increase due to multiple lifts and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carrier plate and suspension weights into a single pre-assembled assembly unit that is lifted and installed as one component. This merging eliminates the need for multiple individual lifts and connections of separate suspension weights, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining safety through the integrated design that ensures proper positioning and connection in a single operation.
2Productivity
If the carrier plate and suspension weights are designed as a separate assembly unit, then the number of lifts is reduced, but additional connection means are required to secure the assembly during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the counterweight device into modular components: a carrier plate and suspension weights that form an assembly unit, which can be lifted together as one component. This segmentation allows the assembly to be transported and positioned as a single unit, reducing the number of lifts required. The modular design inherently includes integrated connection means that are simpler than connecting individual weights separately.
3Reliability
If multiple individual lifts are performed for counterweight elements, then proper positioning can be achieved, but the number of work steps increases and avoidable risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier plate and suspension weights are pre-assembled into a complete assembly unit before being lifted onto the mobile crane. This preliminary assembly ensures that all components are properly positioned and connected in advance, eliminating the need for multiple individual positioning operations on-site. The pre-assembled unit maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing the number of work steps and associated risks.
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
Significantly reduces setup time and enhances safety by allowing the counterweight device to be assembled and disassembled quickly and securely, minimizing risks during transport and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the ballasting device comprises one or more hydraulic ballasting cylinders that extend downwards, are brought into engagement with the coupling elements of the counterweight device and lift the counterweight device onto the upper carriage by retracting
Implementation Method 2
The carrier plate and the suspension weights are designed as an assembly unit that can be lifted together
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a mobile crane comprising a mobile undercarriage, an upper carriage mounted rotatably on the undercarriage and a counterweight device that can be coupled to the upper carriage and has a counterweight base plate, a carrier plate and at least two suspension weights that can be releasably connected to the carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate can be placed on the counterweight base plate and comprises first connecting elements for producing a first suspension connection with first connecting elements of the suspension weights. According to the disclosure, the carrier plate and the suspension weights are designed as a jointly liftable assembly unit, wherein the suspension weights have slinging means for lifting the entire assembly unit. The carrier plate comprises second connecting elements for establishing a second connection with second connecting elements of the suspension weights.