Crane Support Unit for Stability and Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranes face challenges in achieving increased stability and load capacity, particularly during main boom operation, due to limitations in footprint and counter-torque, which can lead to tipping over during load breaks or setup processes.
Innovation Solution
A crane design featuring a support unit with at least one support cylinder and a height adjustment element, positioned opposite to the boom relative to the axis of rotation, which increases the distance between the tipping edge and the axis of rotation, allowing for adjustable support on the ground and additional counterweight placement, thereby enhancing stability and load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional superstructure counterweight is added to increase stability and lifting capacity, then the counter-moment increases, but the superstructure deforms due to the additional weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit acts as an intermediary element between the deformed superstructure and the ground. It transfers the load from the deformed superstructure to the ground, allowing additional counterweight to be added without exceeding the superstructure's strength limits. The support unit absorbs the deformation forces while enabling the stability-enhancing counterweight to be positioned further from the axis of rotation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distance of the tipping edge from the axis of rotation is increased to improve stability, then the base is larger, but the crane requires additional support means like superlift masts or extended crawler tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the main crane structure. Instead of requiring the entire crane system (crawler tracks, superlift masts) to be extended or modified, the support unit provides the necessary stability enhancement as a separate, focused component. This segmentation allows the tipping edge distance to be increased without proportionally increasing the complexity of the entire crane system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit serves as an intermediary that enables the crane to achieve a larger base without requiring modifications to the primary support structures. It mediates between the existing crawler track configuration and the desired increased stability, allowing the tipping edge to be positioned further from the axis of rotation through the intermediate support point it provides.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support unit is positioned close to the ground to provide immediate support, then the stability is improved, but the crane cannot be transported or moved freely
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the height adjustment element. It can transition between a raised position during transport (maintaining adaptability and mobility) and a lowered position during operation (providing immediate ground support and enhanced stability). This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between stability and transport capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support unit includes height adjustment element to provide variable support, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment element is designed to be operable by the crane operator using the crane's existing control systems and power sources. The support unit essentially adjusts itself in response to operational conditions (such as superstructure deformation from added counterweight) without requiring separate complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach provides variable support capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 increased footprint and counter-torque capabilities prevent tipping and allow for greater superstructure counterweight, enhancing both stability and lifting capacity, while simplifying transport and setup by eliminating the need for additional support means like superlift masts or central ballast.
Implementation Method 1
the support unit, in an unloaded state of the crane, is equipped with a, in particular variably adjustable, height adjustment element
Implementation Method 2
a support unit attached to the superstructure for increasing the distance of a tipping edge from the axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A crane comprises a chassis (3), a superstructure (8) arranged on the chassis (3), a rotary joint (7) for rotating the superstructure (8) on the chassis (3) about a pivot axis (9), and a support unit (20) attached to the superstructure (8) to increase the distance of a tipping edge from the pivot axis (9), so that the crane (1) has increased stability and a higher load-bearing capacity.