Modular Buss Bar Power Distribution for Cranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical supply systems for construction cranes, hoists, and elevators are heavy, difficult to handle, reconfigure, and maintain, with exposed conductive elements prone to shorting and ice formation, leading to instability and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A modular buss bar system with partially shielded conductor contact portions and integrated heating elements, housed in non-conductive materials, distributed along the tower to reduce weight and prevent ice accumulation, ensuring structural stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous cable system is used to supply electrical power to construction cranes and hoists, then the power supply is continuous, but the system becomes very heavy and difficult to handle, move, or reconfigure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous cable system into discrete modular buss bar sections that can be independently installed and connected along the tower structure. Each section is a separate component that can be easily handled, installed, and reconfigured without requiring a single heavy continuous cable spanning the entire height.
2Reliability
If a heavy cable system is used to supply power to the hoist car, then the power supply is stable, but the entire weight of the cable is borne by the hoist car, causing instability and dynamic loading effects
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply structure is segmented into discrete buss bar sections mounted to the tower at various heights. This distributes the weight of the power supply system along the entire height of the tower rather than concentrating it on the hoist car, eliminating the heavy load and reducing dynamic loading effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The buss bar system acts as an intermediary power distribution structure mounted to the tower, transferring the power supply function from a cable-based system to a structure-based system. This intermediary structure bears the weight and provides stable power without requiring the hoist car to support cable weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If exposed conductive elements are used in the electrical supply system, then the system is simple to construct, but the elements are prone to shorting and ice formation, leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses insulating housings or enclosures that partially shield the conductive buss bar elements from environmental exposure. These protective coverings prevent ice accumulation and reduce the risk of shorting while maintaining the electrical functionality of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful exposure of conductive elements is extracted or removed by providing protective insulation and shielding. The conductive elements are taken out from direct environmental exposure while maintaining their electrical function, separating the beneficial electrical conductivity from the harmful environmental vulnerability.
4Ease of operation
If a modular buss bar system is used to distribute power, then the system is lightweight and easily reconfigurable, but the conductive elements may be exposed to environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The modular buss bar sections are provided with insulating housings or protective coverings that shield the conductive elements from environmental exposure. These protective elements can be easily attached and removed with the modular sections, maintaining both protection and reconfigurability.
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
The modular buss bar system provides a lightweight, easily reconfigurable, and safe power distribution that reduces the risk of accidents and maintenance costs by distributing weight evenly and preventing ice formation, enhancing operational reliability in harsh weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a contact portion heating element which prevents the formation of ice and snow on the conductive element
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical distribution system for providing electric power to cranes, hoists, elevators and the like which move on a track, tower or support beam. In particular, a modular electrical system comprised of a modular buss bar system which provides electrical power for operation of construction cranes, hoists, elevators and the like on a construction or material transfer site or permanent building including a system and apparatus which is configurable to provide an easily movable and/or reconfigurable electrical power distribution system which is mounted to a construction mast, hoist, elevator or building under construction during the building construction process, a permanent building, or to a horizontal overhead crane support beam. In a further embodiment, a heating system for a modular buss bar system is provided which prevents the formation of ice and snow on the electrical contacts of a modular buss bar electrical system.