Luffing Jib Crane Articulation for Compact Punch Leverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional luffing jib cranes face challenges in improving performance without increasing the length of the punch, which results in space constraints during transport and the need for structural reinforcements, while also affecting productivity and weight distribution.

Innovation Solution

The luffing jib crane design relocates the articulation of the luffing boom to the base of the counter-jib's central section, below the top where the punch is fixed, effectively increasing the fictitious length of the punch without physical lengthening, optimizing weight distribution and reducing effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the length of the punch is increased to improve productivity and reduce the impact of luffing jib weight on tie rod lines, then luffing speed and load curve performance are improved, but the crane occupies more space for transport and requires greater structural reinforcements on the counter-jib

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluffing speedVSAvoidspace occupation for transport
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention relocates the articulation point of the luffing boom from the top of the counter-jib (vertical dimension) to the base of the central section (horizontal dimension), effectively extending the punch in the horizontal direction rather than vertically. This dimensional shift allows the punch to appear longer in terms of structural leverage without physically increasing its length, thus maintaining compact transport dimensions while improving luffing performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The counter-jib central section is divided into distinct functional zones: the base portion where the luffing boom articulates, the upper portion where the punch is fixed, and the intermediate section. This segmentation allows the punch to be positioned optimally for structural reinforcement while the articulation point is relocated to the base, achieving improved luffing speed without increasing overall punch length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the length of the punch is increased to improve productivity and reduce the impact of luffing jib weight on tie rod lines, then luffing speed and load curve performance are improved, but greater structural reinforcements on the counter-jib are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluffing speedVSAvoidstructural reinforcement requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending the punch length horizontally which would require proportional structural reinforcement, the invention uses vertical positioning to create effective leverage. By articulating the luffing boom at the base of the central section and fixing the punch at the top, the design creates a vertical moment arm that provides structural efficiency without requiring additional reinforcement material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the articulation of the luffing boom is positioned at the top of the counter-jib, then the structure is simpler, but the punch length is effectively reduced impacting productivity and luffing speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidluffing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions the articulation from a vertical positioning (top of counter-jib) to a horizontal positioning (base of central section). This spatial reconfiguration creates an effective punch length equivalent to the distance between the base and top of the central section, thereby improving luffing speed while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of existing counter-jib components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enhances accessibility, maintenance, and productivity by reducing effort and weight, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the impact on tie rod lines, thus optimizing crane performance.

Implementation Method 1

a luffing winch which includes a luffing motor which rotates, in both directions and via a reduction gear, a luffing drum, around which is wound a luffing cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a luffing cable which passes over one or more pulleys arranged at the top of the punch, and which also passes over the pulleys of a luffing block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 3

The luffing block is connected, by a line of tie rods, to the luffing jib

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4635894A1Crane with lifting boom
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE
  • EP4635894A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4635894A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4635894A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Luffing jib crane (1) comprising a mast (2) surmounted by a rotating part (4) orientable about a vertical axis (20) and comprising: - a rotating pivot (5) pivotally mounted on the mast; - a counter-jib (6) comprising a central section (60) and a horizontal radial section (61) directed towards the rear and fixed on the central section which comprises a base (64) fixed on the rotating pivot and a top (65) surmounting the base; - a luffing jib (7) directed towards the front and having a rear end (71) articulated on the base of the central section of the counter-jib, below the top, in a manner diametrically opposed to the radial section of the counter-jib; - a punch (8) fixed on the top of the central section of the counter-jib, and extending obliquely upwards and backwards from the top.