Crawler Crane Stabilization via Counterweight and Torque Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crawler cranes require frequent disassembly of their boom systems due to wind limitations, which is time-consuming and costly, and existing solutions do not effectively stabilize the crane to allow operation in higher wind speeds without compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that stabilizes a crane by coupling a load to its boom to counteract wind-induced torque and using additional supports arranged at different angles to split and compensate wind forces, allowing the crane to operate safely in higher wind speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the crane operates under high wind speeds, then productivity is improved, but stability deteriorates due to wind-induced torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by coupling loads to booms to compensate for wind-induced torques. The load coupled to the first boom compensates a first torque introduced due to wind, while additional supports compensate a second torque, creating opposing forces that balance the destabilizing wind effects and maintain crane stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wind torque compensation function into multiple independent components: a load coupled to the first boom for compensating the first torque, and at least two additional supports for compensating the second torque. This segmentation allows each component to address specific torque components independently, providing more effective overall stabilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the boom system is disassembled frequently to withstand wind limitations, then stability is improved, but loss of time increases due to complex setup and takedown procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning additional supports and coupling loads to booms before wind conditions become critical. These stabilization measures are prepared in advance and can be quickly deployed when needed, avoiding the time-consuming complete disassembly that would otherwise be required to ensure stability during high wind events.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional supports are added to stabilize the crane, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing additional supports that can serve multiple functions: they compensate wind-induced torques, can be used to erect longer boom combinations by displacing the tilting edge, and provide general stabilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for stabilizing a crane, in particular a crawler crane, in an anchorage position, having at least one load coupled to a first boom of the crane to compensate a first torque introduced into the crane due to wind and having at least two additional supports arranged opposite one another to compensate a second torque introduced into the crane due to wind. The disclosure is furthermore directed to a corresponding additional support and to a crane having a corresponding apparatus.