Foldable Crane Platform Tool Holder Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane systems on vehicles face challenges in safely and efficiently transporting working tools like buckets during material transport, especially when covering loose materials like sand, as the bucket may damage the vehicle's cover, and there is a need to optimize space usage and safety during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable crane system with a crane platform that includes a tool holder and locking mechanism, allowing the crane to be compactly stored with the bucket in a parked position, and a control unit for automatic and semi-automatic control procedures to manage crane movements, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bucket is placed at the loading space of the vehicle during transportation, then the bucket is easily accessible, but the bucket may damage the cover when loose materials need to be covered
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is extracted from the loading space and placed in a dedicated tool holder on the crane platform. This separates the bucket from the material loading area, preventing it from damaging the cover while maintaining accessibility through the crane system.
2Productivity
If the crane is extended to reach loads, then the crane can perform its lifting function, but the crane occupies more space during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The crane is designed with movable booms that can be extended and retracted. During transportation, the booms are retracted to minimize space occupation, while during operation, they are extended to achieve the required lifting reach, dynamically adapting to different operational states.
3Reliability
If the working tool is securely locked in the tool holder during transportation, then the safety is improved, but the time to deploy the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual locking mechanism is replaced with an automated locking system that uses the crane's own movements to engage and disengage the lock. When the crane boom is retracted, the lock automatically engages to secure the tool; when the boom is extended, the lock automatically disengages, eliminating manual intervention and reducing deployment time.
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 system enables safe and space-efficient transportation of working tools by keeping them securely locked in a compact position during transport, optimizing vehicle space and ensuring quick and safe deployment when needed, particularly for applications involving loose materials.
Implementation Method 1
the rod-like structure being moved by activation of a solenoid or a step-motor
Implementation Method 2
the locking means comprises hydraulically movable plates configured to move to a locking position where they apply pressure towards the working tool
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A crane system (2) comprising a crane (4) and a crane platform (6) to be mounted at a vehicle (8), the crane platform (6) comprises a crane connector (10) to connect a base end (12) of the crane (4) to the crane connector (10) such that the crane (4) is pivotal in relation to the crane platform (6), the crane (4) is a foldable type crane. The crane (4) is structured to be in a parked state, in which state the crane (4) is folded and arranged in a compact, space-saving, position at the crane platform (6), and having no working tool (18) attached to a crane tip (20). The crane platform (6) further comprises a tool holder (22), and that the tool holder (22) and the crane connector (10) are arranged essentially along the longitudinal axis A1 of the crane platform (6), and that said tool holder (22) is provided with support and hold members (24) configured to support and firmly hold a working tool (18) in a parked position in said tool holder (22) when the working tool (18) is not in use, the working tool (18) is structured to be connected to said crane tip (20) by a tool exchanger (26) provided at said crane tip (20). The support and hold members (24) are structured to hold said working tool (18) in its parked position such that it is connectable to said crane tip (20) by said tool exchanger (26).