Modular Crane Hook Block with Locking Bars for Stable Reeving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hook block assemblies for cranes face difficulties in stabilizing and immobilizing sheaves during reeving, especially when handling heavy loads, which can lead to unsafe and inefficient operations due to the weight and size of the components.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates locking bars and stabilizing feet that immobilize sheave housings relative to cross beams, allowing for easier reeving by maintaining the sheaves in stable positions, and deflection rollers to guide the wire rope, facilitating assembly and operation with reduced risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the hook block is made large and heavy to handle heavy loads, then the load capacity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in maneuvering and stabilizing during reeving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidease of reeving
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing stabilizing feet that can be positioned beforehand to prevent the hook block from tipping during reeving operations. The locking bars are also prepared in advance to secure sheave housings to cross beams, ensuring stability before the actual reeving process begins. This allows heavy hook blocks to be safely maneuvered and reeved without requiring excessive manual handling effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the sheave housings are made movable to facilitate assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability during reeving deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstability during reeving
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between sheave housings and cross beams adjustable rather than fixed. The locking bars can be inserted or removed to transition between movable (during assembly) and fixed (during operation) states. This dynamic capability allows the structure to be easily assembled when needed while providing stability during reeving operations when the locking bars are engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the hook block components are stabilized and immobilized during reeving, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced flexibility in positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during reevingVSAvoidflexibility in positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses locking bars as intermediary elements between the sheave housings and cross beams. These locking bars provide the necessary connection to stabilize components during reeving, while their removable nature allows for positioning adjustments when needed. The stabilizing feet also act as intermediaries to prevent tipping without permanently restricting movement, enabling both safety and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2489624B2Crane hook block
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 MANITOWOC CRANE CO LLC
  • EP2489624B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2489624B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2489624B2 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

A hook block assembly (100) for constructing different hook blocks to accommodate varying loads to be lifted by a crane (10) includes: a) a plurality of sheave housings (102), each including a plurality of sheaves (104), wherein each sheave housing (102) includes extended portions (103) with a hole therethrough; b) a connection link (106) attached to the top of the sheave housing (102) with a pivotal connection; c) two cross beams (118) each having a plurality of brackets (119), each bracket (119) with a hole therethrough; d) two shafts (121) sized to fit within the holes of the extended portions (103) of the sheave housings (102) and of the plurality of brackets (119) of each respective cross beam (118); e) two first connection beams (112) each connectable to two or more connection links (106); f) one second connection beam (113) connectable to the first connection beams (112); and h) two hook suspensions (152, 154). The plurality of sheave housings (102) may include four three-sheave housings and two five-sheave housings, where the assembly (100) may further include: i) an equalizer beam (140) that is connectable to the two cross beams (118), the equalizer beam (140) including a main eye (148) rotatably connected thereto; and j) two hook suspension side plates (150) that are rotatably connectable to the main eye (148) of the equalizer beam (140) and to the two hook suspensions (152, 154). Different hook blocks can be assembled from the assembly.