Folding Crane Walking Platform for Fast Single-Person Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup and removal of access systems for larger mobile cranes, such as crawler cranes, are complex and time-consuming, often requiring multiple persons and external aids due to the stable construction of modern superstructures, making it difficult to attach and remove access systems like platforms and railings.
Innovation Solution
The design of a mobile crane with permanently arranged platforms that can be easily moved from a transport position to a work position, secured by railings, allowing single-person installation or removal without external aids, featuring pivotable and modular platforms and railings that can be connected securely without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If access systems are attached to the stable superstructure of modern mobile cranes, then the crane structure maintains its stability and strength, but the attachment and removal of access systems becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple persons and external aids
Solution Approach 1:
The access system transitions from a static permanently fixed state to a dynamic movable state. The platform is designed to be movable between a retracted transport position and an extended work position, allowing easy attachment and removal while maintaining superstructure stability when deployed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling simple installation without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access system is segmented into modular components (platform base, railings, connection elements) that can be independently positioned and assembled. The platform can be moved independently between positions, and railings can be separately attached, allowing single-person installation without complex assembly procedures while maintaining overall system stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If access systems are permanently fixed to the superstructure, then the structure remains stable, but the setup and removal process becomes complex and requires external aids
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with movable connection elements that allow it to be positioned dynamically between retracted and extended states. This dynamic design enables the platform to be easily attached and detached without complex procedures, while maintaining stable connection when in the work position, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access system is designed to be self-sufficient for installation and removal without external aids. The movable platform and self-contained connection elements enable a single person to install and remove the system independently, eliminating the need for auxiliary cranes or multiple persons while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If the superstructure is designed with stable construction, then the crane can safely support loads, but lateral pushing under of platforms becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The platform connection system incorporates movable elements that allow the platform to be positioned in different locations along the superstructure. The connection elements can be adjusted to accommodate different positions while maintaining secure attachment, providing positioning flexibility without compromising the stable construction or load-bearing capacity of the crane.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into adjustable components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the platform to be laterally pushed or positioned at different locations along the superstructure while maintaining secure connection, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and positioning flexibility.
4Device complexity
If railings are separately attached to platforms, then the platform structure remains simple, but the overall attachment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The railing attachment system is integrated with the platform base connection elements. The same movable connection elements that position the platform also secure the railings, combining multiple functions into a unified system. This integration simplifies the overall setup process by eliminating separate attachment procedures while maintaining simple platform base structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile crane, such as a crawler crane, including an undercarriage having a chassis and a superstructure rotatably supported on the undercarriage and having a pivotable boom. At least two platforms are permanently arranged at the superstructure via which the superstructure is walkable. The platforms each comprise a base and a railing that are movable from a transport position in which they contact the superstructure into a work position in which the bases are walkable and are secured by the railings, and vice versa.