Pivotable Crane Mast Assembly Guide System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling large lattice boom cranes in confined spaces with limited room are impractical, particularly when masts are pivotable about a horizontal axis, as they require significant heights and a full-length ballast mast, which can be undesirable and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A crane design featuring a pivotable first and second mast with a guide system that allows vertical assembly and disassembly, using a guide system with connected and disconnected states to facilitate mast section movement and locking, enabling efficient assembly and disassembly in a small area without the need for large auxiliary cranes or full-length ballast masts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a full length vertical ballast mast is assembled on site by stacking subsequent mast sections on top of each other, then the crane can be assembled, but it requires working at significant heights which is impractical in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stacking mast sections from bottom to top (requiring work at increasing heights), the patent inverts the assembly sequence by first assembling the top mast section at ground level, then using a telescopic jacking mechanism to lift and extend the mast sections in reverse order, allowing all assembly operations to be performed at or near ground level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a telescopic arrangement where mast sections are nested within each other during assembly. The telescopic jacking mechanism allows inner mast sections to be extended outward from outer sections, enabling compact storage and ground-level assembly while achieving full mast height without vertical stacking
2Stability of the object's composition
If a full length ballast mast is used, then the crane structure is complete, but it is not always desirable and increases space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ballast mast into multiple separable sections that can be stored compactly and assembled only when needed. The ballast mast is segmented into several modules that can be stacked or stored in a compact configuration during transport, then assembled to full length only at the worksite when the crane is deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ballast mast dynamically extendable rather than permanently fixed at full length. The segmented mast sections can be extended to full length during operation and then retracted or collapsed to a compact configuration for transport and storage, allowing the same structure to adapt between different space requirements
3Productivity
If mast sections are assembled vertically from the bottom, then the mast can be built up, but it requires significant heights and large auxiliary cranes which are impractical in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mast to be self-assembling using an integrated telescopic jacking mechanism that is part of the crane's own equipment. The jacking system uses the crane's existing hydraulic power and structural components to lift and extend its own mast sections, eliminating the need for external auxiliary cranes or lifting equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the crane's hydraulic system and structural components serve multiple functions: the hydraulic cylinders used for boom operation also power the telescopic jacking mechanism, and the crane base structure serves as both the mounting platform and the reaction mass for the jacking mechanism, reducing the need for dedicated auxiliary equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a crane, a method for assembly of a crane and a method for disassembly of a crane. In accordance with the method according to the invention, the first mast (10) is fixed in a vertical position. A top mast section (35) of a second mast (30) is positioned adjacent to and outside of the first mast. The top mast section is moved vertically upwards and this movement is guided by a guide system (60). Then, the top mast section is fixed relative to the first mast at a position which is at a larger vertical distance from the crane base (2). Then, a first intermediate mast section (36) of the second mast is fixed to a lower end (35b) of the top mast section to build up the second mast. Then, first intermediate mast section is connected to a pivot (31), and the second mast is pivoted away from the first mast. The crane further comprises a mast section mounting device (70) and a mast section locking device (75) to respectively move the first mast into the vertical position and lock a section of the second mast to a section of the first mast.