Installation Jib for Girder Beam Handling in Constrained Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial settings, particularly in warehouses and nuclear facilities, the limited and unstable floor space poses challenges for the installation and removal of overhead crane girder beams due to space constraints and weight limitations, making it difficult to manage large-scale equipment effectively.

Innovation Solution

A girder beam removal system utilizing an installation jib with a main body, sub-frame elements, and rollers that can rotate and adjust to securely contact and lift girder beams, combined with a lift assembly and cradle for precise handling and positioning of new or existing beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If large-scale equipment such as mobile cranes is used for girder beam installation and removal, then the capability to handle heavy beams is improved, but the equipment becomes too large and overweight for the limited floor space available inside the warehouse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capacityVSAvoidfloor space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the lifting function into multiple components: the installation jib (for positioning), the cradle (for holding the beam), and the prime mover with lift block (for lifting). This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and lighter than a single large mobile crane, enabling operation within limited floor space while maintaining heavy lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The installation jib acts as an intermediary device that transfers the lifting force from the prime mover to the cradle and girder beam. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to achieve the lifting capacity of large equipment without requiring the large footprint of mobile cranes, as the force is transmitted through the structured components rather than requiring a single large machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the floor space is used for storage of equipment and materials, then the available workspace is reduced, but the structural stability and load-bearing capacity of the floor is充分利用

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor load capacityVSAvoidworkspace availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lifting system into compact components that operate vertically rather than requiring horizontal movement of large equipment, the system allows the floor to maintain its load-bearing function while providing sufficient workspace. The installation jib and cradle operate in the vertical dimension, preserving horizontal floor space for storage and movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a stable and adjustable mechanism is implemented for lifting and moving beams, then the efficiency of beam installation and removal is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam installation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates adjustable elements such as the cradle height adjustment and the installation jib positioning capabilities, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different beam sizes and installation requirements. This dynamic adjustability improves productivity by enabling efficient handling of various beam configurations without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The installation jib system is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning the cradle, supporting the beam during installation, and facilitating removal. The prime mover can both rotate the installation jib and power the lift block. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, balancing system complexity with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient installation and removal of girder beams, preserving limited floor space and allowing for the use of larger equipment by providing a stable and adjustable mechanism for lifting and moving beams within constrained environments.

Implementation Method 1

The first roller and the second roller each are configured to rotate about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3533750B1Girder beam installation and removal system and method
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 KONECRANES GLOBAL OY
  • EP3533750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An installation jib (14) for a girder beam installation and removal system includes a main body (18) having a first end (22) and a second, opposite end (26), the main body extending along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The installation jib further includes a first sub-frame element (42) coupled to the main body, a first roller (30) coupled to the first sub-frame element, a second sub-frame element (46) coupled to the main body, and a second roller (34) coupled to the second sub-frame element. The first sub-frame element and the second sub-frame element are spaced longitudinally apart from one another, and the first roller and the second roller each are configured to rotate about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis.