Crane Telescopic Boom Automatic Hook Stow System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cranes face challenges in efficiently storing and releasing hooks during operation, often requiring manual intervention and leading to reduced operational efficiency due to the need for manual handling and potential damage from improper boom storage.
Innovation Solution
A crane assembly with a telescoping boom and an automatic-release hook stow system, where a projection on the boom maintains the hook in place with cable tension and allows gravity to release it when the boom is raised, eliminating the need for manual release and enhancing storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to store and release hooks, then the hook can be securely positioned, but operational efficiency is reduced due to manual handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hook storage system operates automatically using gravity and cable tension forces. When the boom is raised, gravity causes the hook to slide along the projection and automatically engage with the boom for storage, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on boom position and cable tension state.
2Reliability
If manual handling of hooks is required, then hook positioning can be controlled, but potential damage from improper boom storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically positions the hook at the correct location on the boom through the projection's geometry and gravitational forces. The hook slides along a predetermined path on the projection and engages at the proper position, ensuring consistent and damage-free storage without manual handling errors.
3Ease of operation
If the hook is automatically released by gravity when the boom is raised, then manual labor is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to the automatic-release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic-release function is achieved through a simple gravity-based mechanism where the hook's weight causes it to slide along the projection when cable tension is released during boom raising. This passive gravitational mechanism requires no additional actuators, sensors, or control systems, maintaining simplicity while providing automated operation.
4Reliability
If the projection uses cable tension to maintain the hook in place, then the hook is securely held, but the system requires precise tension control
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tension naturally maintains the hook in position on the projection during normal crane operation. The existing cable-tensioning mechanism, already required for crane function, automatically performs the hook retention function without requiring separate control systems or additional complexity.
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 automatic-release hook stow system improves operational efficiency by automating the hook storage and release process, reducing manual labor and minimizing damage from improper boom storage, while allowing for more efficient use of the crane's lifting capacity.
Implementation Method 1
tension in the cable maintains the hook in place on the projection
Implementation Method 2
gravity is sufficient to release the hook from the projection when the boom is raised and the tension in the cable is released
Data Source
AI summary
A crane assembly includes a main body, a boom, a hoist, a sheave, a hook assembly including a hook, a cable, and a projection. The boom extends from the main body and includes a tubular main section and a tubular extension section telescopically nested within the tubular main section. The boom has a first end pivotally coupled to the main body. The hoist is coupled to at least one of the first end of the boom and the main body. The sheave is disposed at an opposing second end of the boom opposite to the main body. The cable extends from the hoist, along the length of the boom, over the sheave, and downward to the hook assembly. The projection extends outward from the boom and toward the main body.