Knuckle Boom Crane Segmented Outriggers and Robotic Drive

Solution Overview

Problem

Current compact knuckle boom cranes face challenges in stability and load capacity due to limited outrigger deployment and lack of efficient control systems for precise operation, particularly in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a base with a slewing platform, a slew column, a counterweight, pivotable outriggers, a telescoping boom, and a robotic driving unit connected to a controller for precise control, allowing for adjustable outriggers and base lifts to enhance stability and load handling capabilities while enabling compact storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If outriggers are deployed to increase stability and load capacity, then the crane can handle heavier loads and operate more stably, but the crane occupies more space and cannot fit in confined areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The outriggers are divided into multiple segments that can be telescopically extended and pivotally deployed. The outrigger assembly includes an outrigger support, main body, extension post with multiple segments, and pad, allowing the outrigger to be compact when stored and extended when needed for stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outriggers are designed to be dynamically deployable between a compact stored position and an extended supporting position. The pivotable and telescopic mechanisms allow the outrigger length and position to be adjusted based on operational requirements, providing stability only when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a robotic driving unit with controller is added for precise control, then operational precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic driving unit enables the crane to operate autonomously without requiring constant human intervention. The controller automatically controls the hydraulic units and driving mechanisms, allowing the system to service itself through automated sequencing and control of operational functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical control is replaced with an automated robotic driving unit that uses electronic controllers and hydraulic actuators. The controller receives signals and automatically translates them into precise mechanical movements, replacing manual operation with an automated electromechanical system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240150155A1Knuckle boom crane

Publication Date: 2024.05.09

AI summary

A knuckle boom crane includes a base with a top surface and a bottom surface, a slewing platform fixedly coupled to the top surface, a slew column rotatably coupled to the slewing platform, a counterweight coupled to the slew column and configured to pivot with the slew column, an intermediate boom pivotably coupled to the slew column, and a telescoping outer boom pivotably coupled to the intermediate boom. The knuckle boom crane further includes a plurality of outriggers pivotably coupled to the top surface between a stored position and a supporting position, a robotic driving unit rotatably coupled to the bottom surface and configured to drive the knuckle boom crane, and a plurality of base lifts coupled to the bottom surface and adjustable between a retracted and an extended position.