Crane Operator Seat with Portable Maneuvering Unit Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load handling cranes require crane operators to hold portable manoeuvring units awkwardly, compromising comfort and safety when seated on high seat arrangements, as they need to manage crane boom movements.
Innovation Solution
A load handling crane design featuring a rotatable column, articulately connected crane booms, and a portable manoeuvring unit that can be securely attached to a stand near the operator's seat, allowing ergonomic positioning and easy detachment for ground-based operation, with a gas spring mechanism for adjustable positioning and safety confirmation mechanisms for support leg control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the crane operator holds the portable manoeuvring unit in their lap while seated on the high seat, then the manoeuvring unit remains portable and accessible, but the operator experiences awkward positioning and reduced comfort
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the high seat and the portable manoeuvring unit. This support structure provides a stable mounting point for the manoeuvring unit, eliminating the need for the operator to hold it awkwardly in their lap while maintaining the unit's portability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manoeuvring unit is repositioned from a horizontal orientation in the operator's lap to a vertical or angled orientation on the support structure. This dimensional change allows the operator to access the controls more naturally while seated, improving ergonomics without complicating the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If the portable manoeuvring unit is securely mounted to the stand, then the operator can control the crane ergonomically from the high seat, but the manoeuvring unit cannot be easily detached for ground-based operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting connection between the portable manoeuvring unit and the support structure is designed to be dynamically changeable. It provides secure attachment during high seat operation for ergonomic control, while allowing easy detachment when the operator needs to work from the ground, thus adapting to different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components that can be easily connected and disconnected. This segmentation allows the manoeuvring unit to be independently mounted or detached without affecting the support structure or the high seat arrangement, maintaining versatility across different operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the stand is positioned close to the operator's seat, then the manoeuvring unit is within easy reach, but the stand interferes with the operator's movement in and out of the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to be adjusted between a retracted position that facilitates operator movement and an extended position that provides optimal accessibility to the manoeuvring unit. This dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between close positioning and operator movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand can be preliminarily positioned in a retracted state before the operator needs to move in or out of the seat, eliminating interference. After the operator is seated, the stand can be extended to its operational position, ensuring accessibility without obstructing movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load handling crane comprising: - a column rotatably mounted to a crane base; - two or more crane booms; - a portable manoeuvring unit (60) with manoeuvring members (61 a, 61 b) for controlling the position of the crane booms; and - a high seat arrangement (30) with a high seat platform (31) mounted to the column and an operator's seat (32). The high seat arrangement comprises a stand (34), which is mounted to the high seat platform, and an attachment (35) fixed to the stand and configured for releasable engagement with the portable manoeuvring unit. The stand is configured to position the attachment (35) in such a position in front of the operator's seat that a crane operator sitting on the seat is allowed to manoeuvre the manoeuvring members (61a, 61 b) on the portable manoeuvring unit when the manoeuvring unit is mounted to the attachment (35).