Crane Raising Mechanism for Rotating Elongated Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raising elongated loads using a single crane is complicated and costly due to the need for precise coordination of crane movements, and not all construction sites have two cranes available.
Innovation Solution
A crane with a raising device comprising two hoisting cable winches and a pivoted lower part with deflection pulleys, allowing asynchronous actuation to rotate loads about a pivot axis, enabling safe, space-saving, and cost-effective lifting of large loads using a single crane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two cranes are used for tandem lift to raise elongated loads, then the lifting capability is improved, but the operation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two cranes into a single crane by integrating a raising device with deflection pulleys and a pivoting mechanism. This allows one crane to perform the work that previously required two cranes, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining lifting capability for elongated loads
Solution Approach 2:
The raising device is divided into an upper part attached to the boom and a lower part that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows the lower part to rotate elongated loads about a pivot axis while the upper part provides stable support, enabling single-crane operation to achieve what previously required coordinated two-crane operation
2Reliability
If two cranes are scheduled for tandem lift, then the lifting capacity is sufficient, but the construction site operation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lifting and rotating functions into a single crane equipped with the raising device, the patent eliminates the need to schedule and operate a second crane. This reduces the quantity of crane resources required and directly lowers construction site operational costs while maintaining sufficient lifting capacity through the specialized raising mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous actuation of hoisting cable winches is used, then the load can be rotated about a pivot axis, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The raising device incorporates a dynamic pivoting mechanism where the lower part can rotate relative to the upper part about a horizontal pivot axis. This dynamic structure, combined with asynchronous winch actuation, enables load rotation capability while the mechanical design naturally guides the motion, reducing the burden on the control system compared to a fully articulated active control approach
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
Enables safe, efficient, and cost-effective lifting of large loads with a single crane, independent of load shape, and allows modular adaptation to different load sizes through interchangeable lower parts.
Implementation Method 1
the upper part is pivoted on the boom, for example about a horizontal pivot axis running parallel to the boom luff axis, so that the raising device aligns itself automatically due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A crane comprises a boom and two independently operable hoisting cable winches, each configured with a hoisting cable guided over the boom. Each hoisting cable carries a load suspension means for fastening a load. The crane comprises a lifting device having an upper part pivotably attached to the boom, and a lower part connected to the upper part pivotably about a horizontal pivot axis, with axes of rotation parallel to the pivot axis. The hoisting cables are each guided over first and second deflection pulleys and attached to the lower part at their free ends. The deflection pulleys and pivot axis are arranged such that, by asynchronous actuation of the hoisting cable winches while performing a pivoting movement of the lower part relative to the upper part, a load connected to both load suspension means can be rotated about a load pivot axis running parallel to the pivot axis.