Foldable Lifting Jib for Autonomous Container Crane Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of overhead cranes in field workshops is hindered by the need for significant lifting means, such as cranes, which are cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially in limited resource environments like military theaters.
Innovation Solution
A transport container equipped with a foldable lifting jib and an installation device that allows independent installation by field mechanics, featuring a chassis with a transport trolley and pivot actuator to position the jib from horizontal to vertical, enabling the setup of an overhead crane without heavy lifting equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional overhead cranes are deployed in field workshops, then heavy lifting capacity is achieved, but significant lifting equipment and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead crane system is segmented into modular components: transport containers with integrated lifting jibs, guide rails, and lifting beams. Each container becomes an independent lifting station with its own jib crane, eliminating the need for a single large centralized crane system.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport containers serve multiple functions: they act as both the structural platform and the mounting base for lifting operations. The containers with integrated jibs can independently perform lifting tasks, making the system universally applicable without requiring additional dedicated lifting equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If heavy lifting equipment is used to install crane components, then installation of overhead crane is achieved, but deployment in limited resource environments is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-installing. The lightweight jib components can be manually positioned and secured by field mechanics without requiring external heavy lifting equipment. The installation process serves itself by using the container structure and simple manual operations rather than requiring additional complex installation machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting jib components are designed to be lightweight and simple, comparable to temporary or disposable structures rather than permanent heavy installations. This allows field mechanics to install and reconfigure them easily without specialized equipment, suitable for temporary field workshop deployments.
3Strength
If massive crane components are used, then high-capacity lifting is achieved, but installation requires mobile crane with spreaders and slings
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting jibs are designed with foldable booms that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for easy transport and manual handling. During operation, the booms extend to provide the necessary lifting capacity, dynamically adapting between storage/transport state and operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the jib components are optimized to provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The lifting capacity is achieved through clever structural design and material distribution rather than sheer mass, allowing manual installation while maintaining high lifting capability during operation.
4Extent of automation
If foldable jib with installation device is used, then autonomous installation by field mechanics is achieved, but additional installation device components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The installation device components are merged with the existing container structure. The pivot interface integrates with the container walls, the actuator mounts to container features, and the sole plate utilizes the container floor. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex installation equipment while achieving autonomous installation capability.
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
Enables the autonomous installation of overhead cranes on containers, providing lightweight and efficient lifting means for field workshops, reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment and enhancing installation autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator being able to move the barrel of the jib from a horizontal position to a vertical position by pivoting the foot on the sole
Implementation Method 2
The boom is equipped with a high-capacity hoist that can be translated along this beam
Implementation Method 3
the device comprises a chassis comprising a transport trolley on wheels capable of supporting and transporting the folded jib
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a floor crane (3) intended for being installed on a container (100), and a crane (3) set up by means of an installation device (1) that allows the crane (7) to pass from a horizontal position to a vertical position in which it can be clamped onto a surface of a container (100). The invention makes it possible to set up a field workshop comprising a pair of parallel containers (100) and a mobile crane (200). The invention also relates to the device (1) for installing the crane (3), the container (100) thus equipped, a field workshop and a method for setting up said field workshop.