Self-aligning Crane Coupling Device with Conical Electrical Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for cranes and lifting tools require time-consuming manual alignment and lack secure, automatic electrical contact during operation.
Innovation Solution
A contacting device with a centering projection and recess, featuring conical or frustoconical electrical contacts and spring means for secure alignment and constant contact pressure, enabling automatic precise alignment and electrical connection without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and coupling of fastening devices is used, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The lower part automatically performs alignment and coupling functions through its geometric design. The conical centering projection and recess automatically align the parts when brought together, while the planar surfaces with form-closing contours automatically couple the fastening devices without manual intervention, making the system self-aligning and self-coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The centering projection and recess are designed with conical or frustoconical surfaces that guide automatic alignment through their curved geometry. When the lower part is placed on the upper part, these conical surfaces naturally guide the parts into precise coaxial alignment without requiring manual positioning
2Reliability
If rigid electrical contacts are used, then electrical connection is established, but mechanical overstressing occurs during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are replaced by spring means (compression springs) that provide dynamic, elastic contact forces. These springs automatically adjust to movement and deformation, maintaining constant contact pressure between the planar surfaces while absorbing mechanical stresses that would otherwise damage rigid contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The spring means are pre-loaded to provide cushioning force before any movement occurs. This beforehand cushioning prevents mechanical overstressing of the contact surfaces during horizontal movements or lifting movements by absorbing shocks and maintaining gentle, constant contact pressure
3Stability of the object's composition
If form-closing planar surfaces are used, then horizontal movements are restricted, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The planar surfaces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide form-closing coupling to restrict horizontal movements, they create electrical contact surfaces for current flow, and they work together with the spring means to provide mechanical coupling. This merging of functions reduces overall structural complexity while achieving multiple objectives
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
Ensures secure, automatic, and precise electrical connection with stability against horizontal movements and small lifting movements, preventing mechanical overstressing and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The lower part has at least three spring means on its underside, which connect the underside with the fastening means for the goods to be carried or for a lifting tool
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a contacting device with an upper part, the upper face of which has a securing means for a first machine, a crane, or a support crossmember, and a lower part, the lower face of which has a securing means for goods to be supported or for a lifting tool, such as a support crossmember. The upper face of the lower part or the lower face of the upper part has a centering protrusion which protrudes upwards, downwards, or laterally and which rests in a centering recess of the upper part or the lower part when the upper part and the lower part are secured to each other. The centering protrusion and the centering recess have electric contacts and mating contacts and/or are surrounded by electric contacts and mating contacts, wherein the centering protrusion and the centering recess have a conical shape or a truncated conical shape, and the lower part has at least three spring means on the lower face, said spring means connecting the lower face to the securing means for the goods to be supported or for a lifting tool.