Self-erecting crane with integrated boom counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting up and reconfiguring self-erecting tower cranes with bottom slewing are complex, time-consuming, and costly, requiring multiple lifting means and careful sequencing to avoid displacements and tipping during the unfolding and counterweight installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system includes a self-erecting crane with a telescopic tower and a loading arm composed of articulated portions, where the tower features a lower telescopic sector with sliding means, such as hydraulic actuators, allowing for efficient configuration changes between operational and transport configurations without the need for additional counterweight modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional counterweight modules are used for stabilizing the crane during setup and reconfiguration, then the crane can maintain stability, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple lifting means and careful sequencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the counterweight function from separate modular blocks and integrates it into the boom structure itself. The boom is designed with a counterweight portion that is structurally integrated, eliminating the need for separate counterweight modules and their associated handling equipment during setup and reconfiguration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the counterweight function with the boom structure by integrating the counterweight portion directly into the boom. This combination eliminates the need for separate counterweight modules and simplifies the setup process by reducing the number of components that need to be handled and installed.
2Reliability
If additional counterweight modules are transported and installed during crane setup, then the crane achieves proper counterbalancing, but the setup time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight portion is pre-integrated into the boom structure during manufacturing, so that no separate counterweight modules need to be transported or installed during crane setup. The counterbalancing capability is already built into the structure before the crane arrives at the construction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom structure serves multiple functions: it provides the lifting arm functionality and simultaneously acts as the counterweight structure through its integrated counterweight portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate counterweight modules and reduces setup time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the crane is reconfigured from working to transport configuration, then the crane can be moved, but the process requires folding into initial configuration and removing counterweight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the counterweight function from separable modules and integrates it permanently into the boom structure. This integration eliminates the need to remove or reposition counterweight modules during reconfiguration from working to transport configuration, simplifying the overall process.
4Ease of manufacture
If operators perform manual unfolding and counterweight installation, then the crane can be set up, but operator safety is compromised due to high weight forces involved
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated boom-counterweight structure is designed to be self-sufficient during setup. The telescopic tower can be erected and the boom can be deployed using the crane's own hydraulic systems without requiring external lifting equipment or manual counterweight installation, thereby reducing operator exposure to high weight forces and safety risks.
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 solution simplifies the installation and reconfiguration processes, reduces the time and cost associated with crane setup, and enhances operator safety by eliminating the need for additional counterweight modules and reducing the complexity of mechanical operations.
Implementation Method 1
sliding means adapted to position said second portion in a retracted position with respect to said first portion and at least one moved-away position with respect to said first portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-erecting crane (1) with bottom slewing comprising a support structure (10), a base (16) rotatable with respect to said support structure (10), a tower (20) arranged integrally on said base (16) and a loading arm (60) composed of one or more portions (61, 64, 66) articulated with each other and hinged to said tower (20) at a joint zone (22), said crane (1) being configurable between an operational working configuration and a non-operational transport configuration, wherein, in said working configuration, said tower (20) is arranged in an upright position and superiorly supports said loading arm (60) at said joint zone (22), and in said transport configuration, said tower (20) and said loading arm (60) are folded one above the other; said tower (20) comprises: - a lower telescopic sector (24) comprising a first portion (26) extending longitudinally along a main axis (X) and a second portion (28) slidably associated with respect to said first portion (26), said first portion (26) comprising a first end (26a) hinged to said base (16) at a first fulcrum (F1); - sliding means (30) adapted to position said second portion (28) in a retracted position with respect to said first portion (26) and at least one moved-away position with respect to said first portion (26) ; and in that it comprises a boom (40) having a first end (42) hinged to said base (16) at a second fulcrum (F2) spaced apart from said first fulcrum (F1), and a second end (44) hinged to said second portion (28) of said lower telescopic sector (24) at a third fulcrum (F3) spaced apart from said first fulcrum (F1) and from said second fulcrum (F2).