Modular Crane With Interchangeable Chassis Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cranes lack versatility and adaptability in different applications due to fixed running gear arrangements, limiting their usage and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The crane module can be equipped with interchangeable chassis units that can be docked to the crane's support legs, featuring docking elements on the longitudinal and transverse sides, allowing for easy conversion and adaptation to various applications using the boom to manipulate the undercarriage units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed running gear arrangement is used in existing cranes, then the structural stability is maintained, but the adaptability to different applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crane system is divided into separate modular components: a crane module and interchangeable chassis units. The crane module can be detached from different chassis units, allowing the same crane module to be used with multiple types of undercarriages (wheels, tracks, rail rollers) depending on the application requirements. This segmentation enables adaptability without requiring a completely different crane design for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crane module is designed as a universal component that can be coupled with different chassis units through standardized docking elements. The docking elements with engagement elements allow the crane module to interface with various types of running gear arrangements, making the crane module multi-functional and adaptable to different operational environments while maintaining structural integrity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable chassis units are introduced to improve versatility, then the adaptability increases, but the docking complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility through interchangeable unitsVSAvoiddocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized docking elements act as intermediaries between the crane module and different chassis units. These docking elements include engagement elements that facilitate straightforward coupling and decoupling operations. The intermediary docking mechanism simplifies the interface between different components, reducing the complexity of docking operations despite the variety of interchangeable units available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the crane module is designed without a fixed chassis, then the adaptability to different running gear arrangements improves, but the stability during operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to running gear arrangementsVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed-chassis design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The crane module can be dynamically coupled with different chassis units based on operational requirements. The docking elements with engagement elements ensure that once coupled, the connection provides stable operational characteristics appropriate for the selected chassis type, while allowing reconfiguration when conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3461785B1Crane
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 BIEDENBACH WALTER
  • EP3461785B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3461785B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3461785B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In a crane that is mobile by means of an associated chassis arrangement, wherein a chassis-less crane module (1) is provided with a bed (3) accommodating a telescopic boom (7) and with laterally extendable support beams (8) equipped with support legs (9) at their ends, and wherein the crane module (1) is provided with docking elements (10) and can thus be docked to the chassis arrangement equipped with suitable engagement elements (11) in a tip-proof manner, versatile usability can be achieved in a simple way by providing the crane module (1) with docking elements (10) on its longitudinal and transverse sides, to which chassis assemblies (2) equipped with suitable engagement elements, which can be manipulated by means of the boom (7) when the crane module (1) is jacked up on its support beams (8), can be docked, and which are designed as interchangeable assemblies adapted to a specific application, which can be used optionally.