Modular Crane Components for Rapid Custom Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional crane systems require custom fabrication based on specific dimensional requirements, leading to lengthy and costly production cycles.

Innovation Solution

A modular crane system with interchangeable track and stiffener sections, adjustable components, and a trolley winch system for flexible configuration and rapid assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If custom fabrication is performed based on specific dimensional requirements, then the crane system meets exact dimensional specifications, but the production cycle becomes lengthy and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional specificationsVSAvoidproduction cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The crane system is divided into modular components including track sections, stiffener sections, and interchangeable parts that can be manufactured independently and assembled quickly. This segmentation allows standardization of components while maintaining overall system customization, resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses adjustable parameters such as modular length increments (e.g., 2-foot sections), interchangeable stiffener configurations, and variable positioning capabilities to achieve exact dimensional specifications through combination of standard components rather than custom fabrication of entire structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular components with multiple joints are used, then the system becomes more adaptable and easier to assemble, but the structural integrity may be compromised at joint locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple structural functions are merged into integrated components. For example, stiffeners are combined with track sections, connection elements incorporate both structural and alignment functions, and end caps integrate support and termination functions. This merging reduces the number of joints while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Components are pre-assembled and pre-aligned during manufacturing with built-in alignment features and precision-machined connection interfaces. This preliminary action ensures that when modular sections are joined in the field, the joints achieve optimal structural integrity without requiring complex field alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12351437B2Modular crane component system

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 THOMPSON JEFFREY D

AI summary

There is provided a method of installing spiral hangers about a messenger line installed between first and second utility poles with a cable being lashed to the messenger line with a lashing wire. The method includes attaching a first and second spiral hangers to the messenger line between first and second utility poles with the first spiral hanger disposed about the messenger line and the cable. The method includes removing the lashing wire from being around the messenger line and the cable adjacent the second spiral hanger. The method includes moving the second spiral hanger towards the second utility pole. The method includes attaching a successive spiral hanger to the messenger line between the spiral hangers and repeating the moving of the second spiral hanger and attaching another successive spiral hanger.