Crane Counterweight Adjustment Telescopic Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane counterweight adjustment systems are limited by restricted displacement paths and require additional drives for telescopic extensions, which complicates counterweight distribution and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A counterweight adjustment apparatus featuring a telescopic framework with a single drive unit that allows the counterweight unit to be displaced along the framework, telescoped inwards and outwards on a cantilever element, enabling efficient displacement of the entire counterweight without additional drives, and allowing for adjustable counterweight radii from a minimum to a maximum, including negative radii.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to displace the counterweight, then the counterweight can be moved along the superstructure, but the displacement path is restricted and dependent on the operating displacement of the hydraulic cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic framework where longitudinal members can be extended and retracted in a nested configuration. The counterweight support beam is integrated into this telescopic structure, allowing the framework to extend beyond the superstructure boundaries. This nested telescopic mechanism enables the counterweight to achieve a displacement path that exceeds the limitations of a fixed hydraulic cylinder, providing both extended reach and adjustable radius positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static counterweight support structure into a dynamic system through the telescopic framework. The longitudinal members can dynamically extend and retract, allowing the counterweight support beam to adapt its position both along the superstructure and beyond its boundaries. This dynamic capability enables continuous adjustment of the counterweight radius, resolving the contradiction between restricted displacement path and needed adaptability.
2Length of moving object
If a telescopic framework with separate drive is used to extend the framework beyond superstructure, then the counterweight can be displaced beyond the superstructure, but an additional drive unit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the telescopic framework function with the existing counterweight adjustment mechanism by integrating the counterweight support beam directly into the longitudinal members of the framework. The counterweight unit serves dual purposes: it adjusts the counterweight position along the superstructure and simultaneously acts as the telescopic extension mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate drive unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to extend beyond the superstructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the counterweight adjustment mechanism and as the telescopic extension system. The same structural components (longitudinal members and counterweight support beam) perform multiple functions: supporting the counterweight, enabling position adjustment along the superstructure, and providing telescopic extension beyond the superstructure boundaries. This universal design eliminates redundant drive units and reduces overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple counterweights are distributed on the crane, then the counterweight distribution is fixed and requires additional counterweights for adjustment, but combining entire counterweight into one unit on superstructure improves efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple distributed counterweights into a single integrated counterweight unit that is mounted on the telescopic framework. This unified counterweight unit can be positioned at various locations along the superstructure and beyond, replacing the need for multiple fixed counterweight positions. The consolidation improves displacement efficiency by enabling continuous position adjustment of the entire counterweight mass through the telescopic mechanism, eliminating the need to add or reposition multiple separate counterweight units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, distributed counterweight configuration into a dynamic, centralized system. The single counterweight unit can be dynamically repositioned along the telescopic framework to achieve different counterweight radii and positions. This dynamic capability provides the flexibility and efficiency of multiple counterweight positions without requiring multiple physical counterweight units, as the entire counterweight mass can be moved to any required position through the telescopic extension mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A crane having an undercarriage, a superstructure pivotable about a slewing axis relative to the undercarriage, a counterweight unit and a counterweight adjustment device. The counterweight adjustment device includes a telescopic frame which is fastened to the superstructure and has a telescopic longitudinal member, a counterweight unit arranged to be displaceable along the frame, a drive unit for displacing the counterweight unit and a kinematic unit to telescope the frame in a driven manner. A jetty is fastened to a rear end, remote from the slewing axis, of the longitudinal member, the counterweight unit is displaceable along the frame in the region of the superstructure as far as the jetty, the counterweight unit is able to be fastened to the jetty and the counterweight unit is able to be telescoped in and out on the jetty with the frame.