Articulated Crane Moveable Counterweight for Tipping Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pick and carry cranes face increased susceptibility to sideways tipping as their rated capacity increases, limiting their ability to carry heavier loads in confined spaces without compromising safety and maneuverability, especially when driving on public roads.
Innovation Solution
An articulated pick and carry crane design featuring a moveable counterweight that adjusts relative to the side tipping line to maintain a counteracting side tipping moment, combined with a rear axle displacement system to optimize weight distribution and counteracting tipping moments, allowing for increased load capacity while maintaining maneuverability and compliance with road regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the rated capacity of a pick and carry crane is increased, then the load carrying capability is improved, but the susceptibility to sideways tipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight is made moveable relative to the side tipping line, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to maintain an adequate counteracting side tipping moment. This dynamic adjustment enables the crane to carry heavier loads while maintaining stability against sideways tipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the counterweight is changed relative to the side tipping line. By adjusting the counterweight's position, the crane can maintain adequate counteracting side tipping moments while carrying heavier loads, thus resolving the contradiction between load capacity and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the width of the crane is increased to improve stability against sideways tipping, then the counteracting side tipping moment is improved, but the ability to drive on public roads and navigate confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the crane's fixed width, the counterweight is made dynamically adjustable relative to the side tipping line. This allows the crane to achieve adequate counteracting side tipping moments through counterweight positioning rather than width increase, maintaining maneuverability in confined spaces and on public roads.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from addressing stability in the horizontal dimension (width) to addressing it in the longitudinal dimension (counterweight position relative to side tipping line). This dimensional shift allows stability improvement without increasing the crane's width, preserving its ability to navigate confined spaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If outriggers are used to minimize susceptibility to sideways tipping, then the stability is improved, but the ability to travel with a load deteriorates since outriggers cannot be used during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a moveable counterweight system that provides continuous counteracting side tipping moments during both travel and operation. Unlike outriggers that are stationary support structures, the counterweight moves with the crane and can be positioned to provide stability during load carrying without preventing movement, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and travel capability.
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
The solution enables pick and carry cranes to carry heavier loads with reduced susceptibility to sideways tipping, enhancing their operational capacity and safety while maintaining the ability to navigate tight spaces and drive on public roads.
Implementation Method 1
The front body is pivotally connected via a pivot arrangement to a rear body of the crane
Implementation Method 2
a first counterweight mounted with respect to the crane and arranged to move with respect to the side tipping line so as to maintain a counteracting side tipping moment above a threshold value
Implementation Method 3
a rear axle displacement system to optimize weight distribution and counteracting tipping moments
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mobile articulated crane having a boom for carrying a load when the crane is stationary and while the crane is mobile. The boom has an end for engaging with a load and an opposed end. The crane further comprises a counterweight attached to the boom at or close to the opposed end of the boom. A rear body of the crane can comprise first and second rear axles, each for supporting the rear body on the ground. The first rear axle can be arranged to be displaced relative to the second rear axle such that wheels of the first rear axle selectively engage or disengage with the ground.