Crane Support Leg Safety Device with Individual Limit Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane safety systems restrict the range of use by applying a single limit value to all support legs, which can be inadequate when terrain varies, leading to reduced operational flexibility, especially when one outrigger is on a weak surface.
Innovation Solution
A method and safety device that allow individual or subgroup-specific entry and storage of limit values for instantaneous support forces on crane support legs, utilizing force-measuring devices like strain gauges or pressure gauges in hydraulic cylinders, enabling tailored support force management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single limit value is applied to all support legs, then the safety system is simple to operate, but the range of use is reduced when terrain varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support system into individual support legs (outriggers), each with its own limit value setting. This segmentation allows each support leg to be independently configured according to the specific terrain conditions at its location, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and adaptability to varying terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different limit values to be assigned to different support legs based on local terrain characteristics. Each support leg can have a customized limit value that matches the bearing capacity of the specific ground surface it contacts, enabling the crane to operate safely on heterogeneous terrain while maintaining operational simplicity through the control device's ability to manage multiple limit values.
2Device complexity
If a single limit value is applied to all support legs, then the control system remains simple, but operational flexibility is reduced on heterogeneous terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented to manage limit values for individual support legs independently. This segmentation enables the system to handle heterogeneous terrain conditions by assigning specific limit values to each support leg based on local ground bearing capacity, thereby increasing operational flexibility without requiring complex external coordination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by allowing limit values to be adjusted and modified for each support leg based on changing terrain conditions. The control device can dynamically update limit values as the crane moves to different locations or as terrain conditions change, providing operational flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
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 expands the crane's operational range by allowing customized force management based on varying terrain conditions, preventing excessive load on weak surfaces and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the force measurement to be in the form of strain gauges on the support legs
Implementation Method 2
as a pressure gauge in the hydraulic cylinders
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for securing the position of a crane (10) with at least two support legs (5) for supporting said crane on surfaces. At least one threshold is entered for the support legs (5), and movements which increase the supporting force are blocked if at least one threshold is exceeded by a current supporting force, the thresholds for each of the support legs (5) being entered individually and/or for subgroups of support legs (5).