Crawler Crane Saw Grapple Attachment for Residential Tree Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile cranes are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver safely on residential properties, requiring tree climbers to ascend and cut trees before removal, posing safety risks and potential property damage.
Innovation Solution
A crawler type crane system with a multi-function attachment unit incorporating both a saw attachment and a grappling hook, featuring fluid regulating elements and an articulating boom, allowing for safe and precise operation on residential properties by integrating cutting and grasping functions into a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mobile cranes are used for tree removal, then they can lift heavy tree portions, but they are large, heavy and difficult to maneuver safely on residential properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and lifting function into a single integrated attachment unit. The saw attachment unit with cutting blade and the grappling unit with gripper fingers are merged into one assembly that can be mounted on the crane boom, allowing the crane to both cut and lift tree portions without requiring separate equipment or tree climbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment unit is designed to perform multiple functions: the saw attachment unit can cut tree limbs and trunks, while the grappling unit can grasp and hold tree portions for lifting. This multi-functional design allows a single crane system to replace multiple specialized devices, improving maneuverability on residential properties while maintaining full operational capability.
2Reliability
If conventional cranes with grappler hook only are used, then they can lift tree portions, but they require tree climbers to ascend and cut trees, posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade and grappling unit are merged into a single integrated attachment that can be controlled from the ground by the crane operator. This eliminates the need for tree climbers to ascend dangerous heights, as the crane can reach the tree portions, cut them with the saw attachment, and immediately grasp them with the grappling unit for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The crane system performs all operations autonomously from the ground. The saw attachment unit cuts tree portions and the grappling unit grasps them without human intervention on the tree itself. The entire cutting and lifting process is controlled by the operator from the crane, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating safety risks associated with tree climbing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cranes are used, then they can perform single function operations, but they require separate equipment for cutting and lifting, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The saw attachment unit and grappling unit are physically merged into a single integrated attachment assembly. The cutting blade is positioned adjacent to the gripper fingers, allowing the crane to perform cutting and grasping operations with one attachment unit rather than requiring separate equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated attachment unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously or sequentially. The saw attachment unit can cut tree limbs while the grappling unit can grasp fallen portions, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized attachments. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while expanding operational capabilities.
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 and efficient tree removal by allowing the crane to maneuver into tight spaces, reducing the risk of injury and property damage while eliminating the need for tree climbers, as the crane can both cut and lift tree limbs without exceeding its operational limits.
Implementation Method 1
The crane can include a hydraulic system that supplies hydraulic fluid to the saw attachment unit and the grappling unit
Implementation Method 2
The winch element can wind and unwind a cable that is coupled to the multi-function attachment unit so as to raise and lower the multi-function attachment unit
Implementation Method 3
The crane system employs a pair of fluid regulating elements, such as diverter valves, where the first diverter valve is fluidly and mechanically coupled to a jib portion and a second diverter valve is fluidly and mechanically coupled to a boom portion
Data Source
AI summary
A crawler type crane having a base carrier unit having a control unit associated therewith and an upper portion assembly having a boom portion coupled at end to the base carrier unit and to a jib portion at an opposed end. The boom portion includes one or more selected boom sections that are articulatable relative to each other. The crane also includes a multi-function attachment unit that is coupled to the jib portion and has a grappling unit for grasping a work piece and a saw attachment unit for cutting the workpiece. The crane can also include a first fluid regulating device coupled to the jib portion for regulating a fluid to the jib portion and to the multi-function attachment unit and a second fluid regulating device coupled to the boom portion for regulating a fluid to the winch element and to the multi-function attachment unit.