Workshop Crane Intermediate Wheel Maneuverability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Workshop cranes require significant space and human intervention to maneuver and adjust their legs, limiting single-operator operation and increasing the need for additional help to secure or disengage leg sections due to weight and stability constraints.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of intermediate wheels on the base, allowing the crane to be supported on rear rolling elements and intermediate wheels when unloaded, enabling single-operator operation and improved maneuverability by shifting the center of gravity forward when loaded, thus facilitating leg extension, folding, or lowering without a second operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the crane is supported on front rolling elements at the ends of legs, then stability under load is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates requiring a second operator for leg adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability under loadVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into multiple support points: front rolling elements at the ends of legs and rear rolling elements at the back. This segmentation allows the crane to switch between stable support (front elements) and maneuverable support (rear elements) depending on operational needs, eliminating the need for a second operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crane's support configuration is made dynamic by allowing the operator to choose between front and rear rolling elements based on whether the crane is loaded or unloaded. This dynamic reconfiguration enables single-operator operation while maintaining both stability and maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If legs are extended beyond the vertical projection of the articulated arm, then stability is improved, but space occupation and storage difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The legs are designed to be extendable and retractable, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. When extended, they provide maximum stability for heavy loads; when retracted, they minimize space occupation and facilitate storage. The operator can adjust leg length based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a second operator is required to tilt the crane for leg adjustment, then leg securing can be performed, but operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleg securingVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crane is designed to be self-servicing for leg adjustments. The operator can independently secure or disengage leg sections without requiring a second operator to tilt the crane. The rear rolling elements provide a stable platform that allows single-operator manipulation of the leg securing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The leg securing operation is segmented into independent actions that can be performed by a single operator. The rear rolling elements provide a stable base that isolates the leg adjustment operation from the need for crane tilting, allowing the operator to work on leg sections independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances single-operator safety and comfort by improving maneuverability and reducing the need for a second operator to assist with leg adjustments, resulting in time and cost savings.

Implementation Method 1

at least one rear rolling element (9) located on the rear face of the base (1)... at least two intermediate wheels (10) located on the front face of the base (1)... such that when the crane is without load it is supported on the rear rolling element or elements (9) and the intermediate wheels (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling elements: Roller

Implementation Method 2

the center of gravity of the assembly will be located virtually in the vertical of the free end of the articulated arm where the hook or the like securing said load is located

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCenter of gravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3000764B1Workshop crane
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 MELCHOR GABILONDO
  • EP3000764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3000764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3000764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a workshop crane of the type which is used in machine workshops, warehouses, etc., for lifting heavy objects and which can be transported by the user, basically comprising a base (1), a column (2) rising from the base (1) to a certain height, an arm (3) connected in an articulated manner to said column (2) having an operating system (4) and at the free end (5) of which there is located a load securing element (6), a pair of legs (7) attached at one of their ends to the front face of the base (1) and comprising at their free ends front rolling elements (8), rear rolling elements (9) located on the rear face of the base (1) and intermediate wheels (10) located between the front rolling elements (8) and the rear rolling elements (9) such that they allow improving the maneuverability of the workshop crane object of the invention.