Mobile Crane Counterweight Device with Pivoting Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile cranes face challenges in securely and efficiently attaching a counterweight device to the superstructure due to its weight and dynamic forces, limiting the counterweight moment and requiring complex assembly and disassembly processes, which also impact CO2 emissions and transportation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A counterweight device with a pivoting support system and connecting elements that allow for adjustable positioning and secure attachment, utilizing a carrier plate and swivel supports to change the counterweight moment and volume, enabling flexible operation and simplified assembly through a single connecting element that serves as a tension, centering, and fastening component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the counterweight assembly is securely held to the superstructure using ballasting cylinders, then the stability and reliability are improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight device is divided into modular counterweight elements that can be individually stacked and removed. The base plate with integrated connecting elements separates the attachment function from the counterweight mass, allowing the counterweight elements to be independently handled during assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are integrated directly into the base plate structure, combining the attachment function with the support structure. This eliminates separate connection components and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining secure attachment through the ballasting cylinders engaging with the integrated connecting elements.
2Force
If multiple counterweight elements are stacked on the counterweight base plate, then the counterweight moment is increased, but the volume and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed to extend radially outward from the rotation axis, utilizing the horizontal plane dimension rather than only vertical stacking. This allows counterweight elements to be positioned at optimal radii to maximize the counterweight moment while minimizing the vertical height and overall volume occupied by the counterweight device.
3Productivity
If the counterweight device is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then the productivity and transportation efficiency are improved, but the secure attachment during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ballasting cylinders are positioned to engage with the connecting elements on the base plate, extracting the attachment function from the counterweight elements themselves. This allows the counterweight elements to be freely stackable and removable without compromising attachment security, as the cylinders provide the secure connection during operation while allowing easy assembly and disassembly when retracted.
4Reliability
If the connecting elements are subjected to high loads and transverse forces, then the secure attachment is maintained, but the structural complexity and weight increase due to stiffening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are positioned asymmetrically on the base plate, with the ballasting cylinders engaging at specific locations optimized for load distribution. This asymmetric arrangement allows the connecting elements to efficiently handle both vertical loads and transverse forces without requiring symmetric stiffening elements throughout the entire structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining attachment security.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile crane (10) comprising a mobile undercarriage (12), a superstructure (14) rotatably mounted on the undercarriage, and a counterweight device (20) connectable to the superstructure. The counterweight device comprises a counterweight base plate (22) and at least one connecting element (30) extending substantially perpendicular to and connected with the counterweight base plate for lifting and connecting the counterweight device to the superstructure. According to the invention, the counterweight device comprises a support plate (40) connectable to the connecting element (30) above the counterweight base plate (22). At least one pivoting support (42) is pivotably mounted on the support plate about a vertical axis (43), on which first counterweight elements (50) can be stacked.The invention further relates to a counterweight device (20) for a mobile crane according to the invention and to a method for mounting the counterweight device (20) on the superstructure (14) of a mobile crane (10) according to the invention.