Crane Positioning Device With Steerable Wheels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated, automatically erecting cranes face challenges in easy adjustment and transportation on construction sites due to limited maneuverability and complex coupling/uncoupling processes, often requiring additional engines and multiple workers, which increases costs and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with steerable front wheels and independently driven rear wheels, connected via a turntable and hydraulic system, allowing for 360° rotation and adjustable positioning to enhance maneuverability and reduce space requirements, using the same hydraulic unit for operation and adjustment, with locking mechanisms for safety and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a chassis with four steerable wheels and a motor/hydraulic pump unit is used (FR 2750411), then the crane achieves satisfactory maneuverability, but the price and device complexity increase notably
Solution Approach 1:
The crane is divided into two independent drive systems: steerable front wheels for directional control and independently driven rear wheels for propulsion. This segmentation allows each wheel pair to perform its specific function with simpler mechanisms, avoiding the need for a complex motor/hydraulic pump unit while maintaining good maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic unit already present on the crane for erecting and operating functions is made multi-functional by connecting it to drive the rear wheels. This eliminates the need for a separate motor/hydraulic pump unit, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the maneuverability benefit
2Adaptability or versatility
If an articulated lorry with coupling device is used for transport (FR-A-1543312), then the crane can be transported over long distances, but the device becomes complicated and requires at least two workers for coupling and uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The complex coupling/uncoupling mechanism required for articulated lorry transport is extracted and replaced with a simplified drawbar coupling system. The crane is designed with a drawbar at the front that can be directly coupled to standard towing vehicles, eliminating the need for complicated mounting brackets, pivoting arms, and lever systems while maintaining transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing the crane to couple to an articulated lorry (requiring complex mechanisms), the solution inverts the approach by designing the crane with a simple drawbar that can be towed by various vehicles. This reversal simplifies the coupling mechanism while maintaining versatility in transport options
3Device complexity
If non-steerable wheels are used in transport position (prior art), then the crane structure is simplified, but the crane cannot be easily adjusted on the construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wheels are designed with independent hydraulic motors that allow them to rotate independently of each other. This dynamic capability enables the crane to adjust its position and orientation on the construction site by differential rotation of the rear wheels, providing easy adjustment without requiring complex steering mechanisms or additional equipment
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
The solution provides improved maneuverability and ease of transportation on construction sites, allowing for precise positioning and movement through narrow spaces with reduced complexity and labor, while maintaining stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The two motors are preferably hydraulic motors powered by the same engine hydraulic pump unit of the crane
Implementation Method 2
a turntable with a vertical axis of rotation, which supports the crane tower... the wheel axle is provided at both ends with a wheel which is driven by a motor... and enables the wheel to be disengaged from the motor
Implementation Method 3
The motors are preferably provided with an automatic locking device so that the wheels are blocked when the power supply is interrupted
Implementation Method 4
A carriage with four wheels is attached to the rear of the structure of the crane base. This carriage is equipped with a mounting bracket that can be adjusted vertically by means of a pivoting arm, which is coupled to the rear of the structure of the crane foot in order to be able to raise or lower the crane in the transport position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Device for adjusting hinged automatically aligning cranes comprises a front pair of wheels (5) arranged on the front structure of the crane foot (2) and a rear pair of wheels (6) having an axle (8) which is connected to a lower element (3) of the crane tower via an intermediate layer of a rotating plate consisting of plates (7a) which rotate about a vertical axis. Each of the wheels (6) is driven by a motor (9). The rotating plate has a stop mechanism (7c) for stopping the axle in a position of 90[deg] and in positions at a different angle to the longitudinal extension of the lower element of the crane tower. Preferred Features: The wheels can be pulled out on the wheel axle coaxial or parallel to its axle and are operated by hydraulic cylinders arranged on the outside or inside of the wheel axle.