Crane Jib Assembly Using Wheel Support for Narrow Space

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crane assembling methods, such as the lying-type and standing-type assembly methods, face challenges in assembling large-sized cranes with jibs in narrow spaces, requiring significant horizontal space and sophisticated operating techniques, and are not universally applicable due to the need for specialized equipment like back stop cylinders.

Innovation Solution

A crane assembling method that involves connecting partial jibs to a boom using a series of steps including placing, upper side connector connecting, wheel mounting, and lower side connector connecting, allowing for assembly in a reduced horizontal space by using a wheel to support the jib and rotate it relative to the boom, enabling assembly even in confined areas without the need for extensive space or specialized equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the lying-type assembly method is used to assemble the crane, then the assembly process is simplified, but a large horizontal space is required which is not available in narrow work sites

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process simplicityVSAvoidhorizontal space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal assembly (lying-type) to vertical assembly (standing-type) by raising the boom to a predetermined angle. This dimensional change allows the jib components to be assembled vertically above the boom rather than horizontally alongside it, dramatically reducing the horizontal space requirement while maintaining assembly feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the boom angle during assembly. The boom is raised to a specific predetermined angle that optimizes the assembly process, allowing the jib to be connected in a semi-vertical position. This dynamic positioning enables the assembly to adapt between the constraints of narrow space and the need for assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the standing-type assembly method is used to assemble the crane in narrow space, then the horizontal space requirement is reduced, but sophisticated operating techniques and safety precautions are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal space requirementVSAvoidoperating technique complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-raising the boom to a predetermined angle before jib assembly begins. This preliminary positioning creates an optimized geometric configuration that simplifies subsequent jib connection operations. The boom angle is set in advance to facilitate the connecting process rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces temporary support structures as intermediaries during the assembly process. These supports provide stable reference points and temporary load-bearing capacity, enabling workers to safely connect the jib components without requiring highly sophisticated operating techniques. The intermediaries bridge the gap between the complex standing-type assembly requirements and simpler operational procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the conventional standing-type assembly method with back stop cylinder is used, then the base end jib sagging is prevented, but the method is only applicable to cranes with specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejib sagging preventionVSAvoidcrane configuration applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of the back stop cylinder (preventing jib sagging) from its specialized equipment context and achieves it through the fundamental geometric configuration of the assembly process. By raising the boom to a predetermined angle and connecting the jib in this position, the gravitational sagging is naturally prevented through the assembly geometry itself, eliminating the need for specialized cylindrical support equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal assembly method that can be applied to various crane configurations without requiring specialized equipment like back stop cylinders. The method using predetermined boom angle and vertical jib connection is adaptable to different crane types and sizes, making the sagging prevention technique universally applicable rather than limited to specific crane models with specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method allows for the efficient and safe assembly of large-sized cranes with reduced horizontal space requirements, facilitating the assembly process and enhancing operational efficiency by using a wheel to support and rotate the jib, making it applicable to general-use luffing jib cranes without specific configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a wheel which supports the distal end of the partial jib on the ground is mounted on the lower side connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Wheel

Implementation Method 2

an upper side connector disposed on an upper side portion of a distal end of the nth partial jib and an upper side connector disposed on an upper side portion of a proximal end of the (n+1)th partial jib are connected to each other by a fixing pin which extends parallel to the second rotary shaft in a relatively rotatable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical connection with rotational freedom: Pin

Implementation Method 3

the nth partial jib is lifted using the second rotary shaft as a fulcrum so that the (n+1)th partial jib is rotated relative to the nth partial jib about the fixing pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation about fulcrum: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3498655B1Crane assembling method
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3498655B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3498655B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3498655B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a crane assembling method which can easily assemble a crane (100). In the crane assembling method, a step of connecting an (n+1)th partial jib (13, 14, 15) includes the steps of: placing a distal end of an nth partial jib connected to a boom (3) on a pedestal (S) on the ground; connecting an upper side connector (16) on a proximal end of the (n+1)th partial jib to an upper side connector (16) on the distal end of the nth partial jib in a state where the (n+1)th partial jib is lifted; mounting a wheel (19) on the lower side connector (17) on a distal end of the (n+1)th partial jib; and connecting a lower side connector of the nth partial jib and a lower side connector on a proximal end of the (n+1)th partial jib to each other by lifting the nth partial jib.