Crane Counterweight Latch Block Mechanism for Safe Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counterweight installation systems for cranes, such as pinned slab and tray systems, are complex and pose safety hazards due to operator error and potential machine damage during installation, particularly in aligning cylinders with lifting eyes and preventing counterweight drift.
Innovation Solution
A counterweight attachment mechanism comprising a lower assembly with a stud, an upper assembly formed by inner and outer plates with a gap, and a latch block assembly with rotating blocks to securely attach the counterweight system to the crane, allowing for easy and safe installation by aligning the stud with the latch block assembly and utilizing springs for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pinned slab system or tray system is used for removable counterweights, then the counterweight can be removed and installed, but the alignment process is difficult and time-consuming requiring precise positioning of cylinders with lifting eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate components: a lower assembly with lifting eyes attached to the counterweight, and an upper assembly with a latch block assembly attached to the crane. This segmentation allows independent positioning and simplifies the alignment process, as the components can be brought together more easily than attempting to align multiple cylinders with multiple lifting eyes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A stud serves as an intermediary element that connects the lower assembly to the latch block assembly. The stud simplifies the connection process by providing a single alignment target rather than requiring simultaneous alignment of multiple cylinders with multiple lifting eyes, thereby reducing the complexity and time of the alignment operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional keyhole or swing-through interfaces are used, then the counterweight can be attached, but the process requires multiple slewing operations and precise positioning that increases operator error risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the operator to slew the turntable to specific locations and manually align components, the invention inverts the approach by providing a latch block assembly that can be engaged more directly. The study protrudes from the lower assembly and the latch block assembly is positioned to receive it, allowing for a more straightforward attachment process with fewer slewing operations and reduced opportunity for operator error.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to guide itself into proper alignment through the geometry of the stud and latch block assembly. The components are configured to naturally align during the attachment process, reducing reliance on operator precision and minimizing the risk of incorrect positioning or operator error.
3Device complexity
If the counterweight hangs on the cylinder without additional restraint, then the installation is simpler, but drift prevention is compromised requiring additional stow pins
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment and restraint functions into a single integrated latch block assembly. The latch block assembly not only attaches the counterweight to the crane but also inherently prevents drift through its design, eliminating the need for separate stow pins while maintaining simplicity. The latch block assembly combines multiple functions that were previously required separate components.
4Reliability
If multiple slewing operations are required for counterweight installation, then the attachment can be secured, but the time required for installation increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower assembly with the stud is prepared in advance and attached to the counterweight before the lifting operation begins. The upper assembly with the latch block assembly is positioned on the crane ready to receive the stud. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple slewing operations during the actual attachment process, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment through the pre-positioned components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for connecting a removable counterweight system to a crane including a lower assembly adapted to be connected to the counterweight system, an upper assembly adapted to be mounted to the crane, and a latch block assembly mounted to the upper assembly. The latch block assembly includes a plurality of blocks cooperating together to form a central counterbore for receiving a stud therein. The blocks are mounted within the upper assembly by at least one axle to allow for rotation of the blocks. A distal end of the stud is removably connected to the latch block assembly to attach the counterweight system to the crane.