Lattice Mast Stacking Rail for Variable Crane Section Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stacking devices for lattice mast cranes are inefficient as they require significant storage space and cannot accommodate cranes of different diameters, necessitating separate storage areas and devices for each type.

Innovation Solution

A stacking device comprising a first support body with a concave trough for the longitudinal beam and a second support body with a concave hollow for the mast, both coupled to a profile rail, allowing movement along the rail for accommodating cranes of varying diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed stacking device is used for lattice boom crane sections, then stacking is enabled, but storage space is still large and sections of different diameters cannot be stacked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different crane section diametersVSAvoidstorage space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support bodies are made movable along the profile rail, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions. This enables the stacking device to adapt to different crane section diameters by repositioning the support bodies, while maintaining a compact overall structure that reduces storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking device is designed with universal support bodies that can accommodate multiple types of crane sections with different diameters. The profile rail system allows the same device to serve multiple functions by adjusting support body positions, eliminating the need for separate stacking devices for different crane types.

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

2Reliability

If separate stacking devices are used for different crane types, then each crane type can be stacked properly, but device complexity and storage space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper stacking for specific crane typeVSAvoidnumber of different stacking devices required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking device incorporates universal support bodies with coupling sections that can interface with different crane section types. By moving these support bodies along the profile rail to different positions, a single device can reliably stack various crane types, reducing the number of specialized devices needed.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking device is segmented into independent support bodies that can be individually positioned along the profile rail. This modular approach allows each support body to be independently adjusted to accommodate different crane section diameters, maintaining stacking reliability while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If support bodies are fixed in position, then structure is simple, but adaptability to different diameters is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to different crane section diametersVSAvoidmovable support body mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support bodies are designed to move along the profile rail through coupling sections with engagement elements. This dynamic capability allows adjustment to different crane section diameters while using a relatively simple mechanism based on sliding movement and gravitational force, minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3978396B1Stacking device for lattice mast crane elements
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING
  • EP3978396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3978396B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3978396B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a stacking device for lattice boom crane elements, in particular for boom sections of a crane, comprising a first support body, a profile rail and a second support body, wherein the first support body has a concave continuous recess on its bottom surface to receive or be supported by a longitudinal beam of a lattice boom crane element, and has a coupling section on its top surface opposite the bottom surface for slidably attaching it to the profile rail, and the second support body has a concave continuous recess on its top surface to receive a longitudinal beam of a lattice boom crane element, and has a coupling section on its bottom surface opposite the top surface for slidably attaching it to the profile rail.