Crane Driver Elevator Integrated in Tower Cross-Section
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tower cranes with fixed towers face challenges in accommodating crane driver elevators efficiently, particularly in terms of construction complexity and space optimization, especially with upcoming legal requirements for elevators in cranes with heights of 60 m or less, where previous solutions involve externally attached elevators that complicate transportation and setup.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the crane driver elevator within the crane tower cross-section, with guide rails and a cable or rack and pinion drive system, allowing for compact design and easy retrofitting, while ensuring safety through an access control system to manage unauthorized access and elevator operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the crane driver elevator is arranged outside the crane tower cross section, then the elevator can be installed using commercially available elevators with rails or cable guides, but the construction complexity increases and space requirements are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system is merged with the crane tower structure by integrating the guide rails and elevator car within the tower's cross-section. The guide rails are attached to the tower's lattice structure, and the elevator car is positioned inside the tower rather than externally, combining two previously separate systems into one integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system is nested within the crane tower cross-section. The guide rails are mounted on the internal lattice structure of the tower, and the elevator car operates within the confines of the tower's cross-sectional area, effectively nesting the elevator system inside the existing tower structure.
2Ease of operation
If the crane driver elevator is arranged outside the crane tower cross section, then the elevator can be transported separately, but the transportation and setup processes become more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system is merged with the crane tower structure, making it a permanent integral part of the tower. The guide rails are attached to the tower's lattice structure, and the elevator car is positioned inside the tower, combining two previously separate systems into one integrated structure that moves and is transported as a single unit.
3Ease of operation
If guide rails are installed with precise mounting, then the elevator operation is smooth, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The play mechanism changes the interaction parameters between the guide rails and the elevator car. By introducing intentional gaps and allowing lateral movement of the guide rails relative to the tower lattice, the system transforms from requiring precise tight-fitting mounting to allowing greater manufacturing tolerances while maintaining smooth operation through the play mechanism.
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
This configuration simplifies construction, optimizes space, enhances transportation and setup efficiency, and ensures safe and controlled crane operation by allowing precise alignment and secure access, minimizing the risk of accidents and maintaining crane stability.
Implementation Method 1
If the elevator drive includes a rope drive. The cable drive is particularly tolerant of offset points within the guide rail.
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, the drive of the crane driver elevator can have a rack and pinion drive.
Implementation Method 3
one or more guide rails are arranged inside the crane tower cross-section for guiding the elevator car
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
AI summary
The crane has a crane operator lift arranged in an inner side of a rectangular cross section of a crane tower (50). Multiple guide rails guide the crane operator lift. The crane operator lift comprises a cable drive and incorporates a rack and pinion drive. Multiple receptacles are provided in a rectangular cross section of individual crane elements, which enable a releasable attachment of the crane operator lift inside the rectangular cross section of the crane tower. A controller controls operation of the crane operator lift as a function of an access control system of a crane ladder.