Crane Luffing Mode via Hoist Rope Reeving Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crane systems face challenges in combining the advantages of luffing and trolley modes, particularly in terms of increased dead weight moment and reduced tip load capacity when a trolley is mounted on the jib tip, and limited hoist rope length with steep jib positions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves changing the reeving of the hoist rope to allow independent deflection from the trolley, enabling the trolley to be positioned anywhere on the jib during luffing operation, and switching between 1-strand and multi-strand operations to optimize load capacity and radius, with the trolley locked near the boom pivot point for reduced dead weight and increased hoist rope length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the trolley is mounted on the jib tip for luffing operation, then the crane can operate in luffing mode, but the dead weight moment of the jib system increases and tip load capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluffing operation capabilityVSAvoiddead weight moment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the hoist rope deflection function from the trolley and relocates it to a separate deflection pulley system on the jib. This separates the luffing function from the trolley, allowing the trolley to be positioned anywhere on the jib without being constrained to the tip, thereby reducing the dead weight moment while maintaining luffing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A deflection pulley is introduced as an intermediary element between the hoist rope and the load hook. This deflection pulley is mounted on the jib structure rather than on the trolley, serving as a mediator that enables luffing operation while keeping the trolley position flexible and reducing the moment arm of the trolley weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the trolley is mounted on the jib tip, then luffing operation is enabled, but hoist rope length is lost which is necessary for steep jib positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluffing operation capabilityVSAvoidhoist rope length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hoist rope deflection point is extracted from the trolley and relocated to a fixed deflection pulley on the jib. This extraction allows the hoist rope to maintain its full length from the drum to the load hook, as the rope no longer needs to extend to the trolley position but instead deflects at the fixed pulley location, preserving rope length for steep jib positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the hoist rope attach to the moving trolley, the invention inverts the arrangement by having the rope attach to the stationary jib structure via a deflection pulley. This inversion ensures that the rope length is determined by the fixed pulley position rather than the variable trolley position, maintaining adequate rope length for all jib angles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the trolley is locked at the top of the jib for luffing mode, then the boom can climb at any gradient, but the dead weight moment increases and tip load capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegradient adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddead weight moment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the trolley position dynamic rather than fixed at the jib tip. The trolley can be locked at any position along the jib based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt its dead weight moment characteristics to match the specific gradient and load requirements of each task

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the jib are utilized for different purposes: the upper portion can accommodate the trolley at various positions for load handling, while the deflection pulley system is positioned to optimize the luffing function. This local differentiation allows gradient adjustment without consistently incurring the maximum dead weight moment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enhances the crane's flexibility and load capacity by reducing the dead weight moment, increasing the effective radius, and providing additional hoist rope length, especially with steep jib positions, allowing for efficient operation in both luffing and trolley modes.

Implementation Method 1

the hoist rope of the crane is guided over at least one deflection pulley on the crane boom, in particular the boom tip, in luffing operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentEP2897892B1Method for operating a crane, and crane
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 LIEBHERR WERK BIBERACH GMBH
  • EP2897892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2897892B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2897892B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a crane having a luffing crane jib and a trolley which can be displaced on the crane jib, wherein the crane can be operated, on the one hand, in a luffing mode and, on the other hand, in a trolley mode. According to the invention the switch between a luffing mode and a trolley mode takes place by virtue of the hoist-rope reeving being altered. The invention also relates to such a crane for implementing the method.