Crane Load Guiding Arrangement for Orientation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane systems require modification and special approvals to control the orientation of large loads, such as wind turbine blades, which increases operational costs and reduces crane efficiency due to the need for additional winches and guidewires.
Innovation Solution
A load guiding arrangement comprising two winches with bi-directional rotational spools, taglines, and attachment brackets mounted on the crane boom, allowing for controlled torque application to the load without modifying the crane, with winches placed next to the crane counterweight and a control system to manage torque and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crane system is modified to control load orientation using additional winches and guidewires, then load control capability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load control function is segmented from the main crane system by using independent taglines with winches that can be attached to the load directly. This allows load orientation control without modifying the crane's core structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Taglines serve as intermediary elements between the winches and the load. These taglines transmit force from the winches to the load, enabling orientation control without requiring direct integration of control mechanisms into the crane structure, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If crane modifications are made to accommodate load control systems, then load control precision is improved, but mobilization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winches and taglines are pre-assembled as a complete load control unit that can be quickly attached to the load without requiring on-site crane modifications. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment and reduces mobilization time while maintaining precise load orientation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control system uses dynamic attachment mechanisms that allow the taglines to be quickly connected and disconnected from the load. This dynamic design enables precise control during operation while minimizing the time required for setup and teardown, thereby reducing overall mobilization time.
3Reliability
If additional winches and control mechanisms are installed on the crane, then load control capability is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load control function is extracted from the crane system and implemented as a separate, attachable unit using taglines and winches. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive crane modifications and reduces operational costs by using simpler, more affordable components that can be easily deployed and removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses relatively simple and inexpensive taglines and winches compared to permanent crane modifications. These components can be easily replaced or removed after use, reducing long-term operational costs while providing sufficient load control capability for the intended application.
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 operation of cranes, reduces forces on the crane boom, and minimizes mobilization time, enabling effective load control without the need for extensive crane modifications or approvals, while maintaining precise control over large loads.
Implementation Method 1
applying a controlled torque to the load about the bearing wire
Implementation Method 2
The tagline is able to transfer tension forces
Data Source
AI summary
A combination including a crane and a load guiding arrangement arranged for mounting to the crane for controlling the orientation of a load suspended in a crane boom from a bearing wire about the bearing wire is provided. The load guiding arrangement includes: —two winches placed on the crane, —two taglines connected with the winches and two attachment brackets attached in a top zone of the crane boom and being connected to the load for applying a controlled torque to the load about the bearing wire. The load guiding arrangement furthermore includes: —for each winch a winch frame, which is arranged for mounting directly on the crane next to or on the crane counterweight in positions at each side of the crane and —two tagline redirection devices, for example snatch blocks which are connected with the load.