Furling Crane Platform Segmented Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane loading platforms lack a compact and efficient configuration for transportation and storage, as they are typically designed for a fixed, unfurled position, which limits their versatility and space efficiency during building construction and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A furling crane loading platform with pivotally coupled stages that transition between unfurled and furled configurations, utilizing hydraulic actuators and a controller to manage the pivoting stages, allowing for a compact rectangular configuration for storage and easy installation/removal, with the ability to extend as a horizontal loading surface from a building edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the platform is designed for a fixed, unfurled position, then it provides a stable horizontal loading surface, but it occupies excessive space during transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple stages that can be independently pivoted and folded. Each stage can be folded against adjacent stages, breaking down the large horizontal surface into compact vertical segments for transportation and storage while maintaining the ability to unfold into a complete loading surface when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The stages are connected via pivot points that allow controlled movement between extended (unfurled) and retracted (furled) positions, enabling the platform to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements versus transportation constraints.
2Volume of moving object
If the platform uses multiple pivotally coupled stages, then it achieves compact folding configuration, but it increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The stages are designed to nest within each other when folded, with each stage folding against the adjacent stage in a nested arrangement. This nesting pattern allows the multi-stage structure to compact into a space-efficient configuration while using a systematic approach that manages the complexity of multiple pivot connections through repetitive modular design.
3Productivity
If the platform is made movable and foldable, then it improves transportation efficiency, but it may reduce stability during loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to be assembled and configured in its extended, stable position before loading operations begin. The pivot connections are engineered to provide rigid support when the platform is in its operational unfurled configuration, ensuring that the preliminary setup establishes stable conditions for subsequent loading activities while maintaining transportation efficiency when folded.
Data Source
AI summary
A furling crane loading platform (1) comprising: a cantilever support base (3); a first stage (2A) pivotally coupled to the cantilever support base (3); and a second stage (2B) pivotally coupled to first stage (2A). In an unfurled configuration (2B) the first and second stages provide a substantially horizontal crane loading surface extending from a building edge (11). The platform is configurable into furled configuration (2A). The platform may further comprise a third stage pivotally coupled to the second stage, fourth pivotally coupled to the third stage, hydraulic actuators (16), controller for controlling the stages in a sequence, sensor for sensing the configuration of the stages, detachable cantilever support beams (4) with a downward transition portion (19), props (5) to prop the cantilever support beams against an under surface of a floor slab and lockout mechanism (17).