Crane Coupling Unit with Integrated Balancing Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane assembly and dismantling devices lack safety features to prevent accidental detachment of tower sections during the climbing process, leading to potential falls, and require manual balancing and counterweight handling, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A coupling unit with a locking mechanism and integrated balancing weight that automatically secures the tower section to the coupling unit, preventing unintentional detachment and allowing for safe and efficient assembly or dismantling by eliminating the need for manual guidance and counterweight handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional assembly hook is used without safety devices, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the reliability is poor as the traverse can be accidentally pushed out and the tower section can fall
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit automatically performs the coupling and locking functions through its own structural design. The guide section guides the carrier automatically, and the locking mechanism engages automatically when the carrier is inserted, eliminating the need for manual safety devices while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit is divided into functional segments: a guide section for guiding the carrier, a locking mechanism for securing the carrier, and a releasing mechanism for controlled detachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably without adding overall system complexity
2Productivity
If manual guidance and counterweight handling are required, then the device structure is simple, but the productivity is low due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is designed to automatically guide and couple the carrier without requiring manual guidance operations. The guide section and locking mechanism work together to perform the coupling function automatically, significantly reducing operation time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide section is pre-configured with the appropriate geometry and positioning features that automatically align and guide the carrier into the correct position during the coupling process, eliminating the need for manual alignment and guidance operations
3Loss of time
If separate balancing weights are used, then the device structure is simple, but the loss of time increases due to manual counterweight handling and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing weight is integrated directly into the coupling unit structure, merging the balancing function with the coupling function. This eliminates the need for separate balancing weight handling operations and significantly reduces the time required for balancing operations during assembly
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 coupling unit ensures secure attachment and transportation of tower sections, reducing the risk of accidents and significantly saving time by automating the balancing process, allowing for safer and more efficient crane operations.
Implementation Method 1
The hook can be coupled to a tensioning unit, such as a spring device, in particular a gas pressure spring. In the event that the carrier and thus the tower piece are moved, in particular into an installation position, the tensioning unit can exert such a force on the hook that the hook is held in the locking position.
Implementation Method 2
For the climbing process, the crane, in particular the tower crane, must be balanced with a balancing weight on a load hook, so that the center of gravity of the tower crane lies in a longitudinal axis of the tower crane. This is necessary to prevent the crane from tipping over
Implementation Method 3
The hook can be designed in such a way that due to the weight of the hook and/or the weight of the carrier coupled to the hook and thus of the tower section, a torque acts on the hook. This torque is directed to hold the hook in the locked position.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for assembling or disassembling a crane. The device has a coupling unit (11) for coupling with a tower section (3). The coupling unit (11) can be moved into a locking position or an unlocking position. Furthermore, the coupling unit has counterweights for adjusting the center of gravity of the crane.