Modular Lattice Mast Section for Transportable Crane Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lattice mast cranes face challenges in achieving a high load-bearing capacity while being easily transportable, as large cross-sectional dimensions exceed common transport widths and heights, necessitating complex and costly special transport arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part lattice mast section design with detachable assemblies that can be connected to form a large cross-sectional area for working arrangements, allowing for easy disassembly into smaller, transport-friendly components, eliminating the need for swivel connections and utilizing identical modular parts for increased stability and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lattice mast cross-sectional area is increased to improve load-bearing capacity, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the transportability deteriorates due to exceeding standard transport dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice mast is divided into multiple detachable lattice mast assemblies that can be separated along parting planes. Each assembly has reduced dimensions suitable for standard transport, while collectively forming the full cross-sectional area (up to 4.0m width and 3.0m height) when assembled on-site, thus resolving the contradiction between large cross-section for strength and small dimensions for transportability
2Adaptability or versatility
If swivel connections are used to enable transformation between working and transport arrangements, then the adaptability is improved, but the load-bearing capacity deteriorates due to reduced stability
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice mast is segmented into detachable assemblies connected by firm connections rather than swivel joints. The assemblies can be separated and repositioned for transport, then firmly reconnected for the working arrangement, achieving adaptability without compromising structural integrity or load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using swivel connections that allow rotation but reduce stability, the invention uses firm rigid connections that provide maximum stability during operation. The adaptability is achieved through the detachable nature of the assemblies rather than through rotational freedom, inverting the traditional approach to joint design
3Adaptability or versatility
If different types of parts are used to achieve variable cross-sectional dimensions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice mast assemblies are designed as modular universal components that can be combined in different configurations to achieve various cross-sectional dimensions. Identical or similar assemblies can be arranged in different patterns (e.g., 2x2, 3x3 configurations) to create different mast sizes, eliminating the need for numerous specialized parts and reducing overall system complexity and inventory requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-part lattice mast section comprises a longitudinal axis (14), several chord elements (15) extending along the longitudinal axis (14), several connecting rods (16, 20, 30) connecting two adjacent chord elements (15) to one another, a lattice mast cross-sectional area oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (14) with a lattice mast width (BG) and a lattice mast height (HG), and at least two detachably connectable lattice mast assemblies (24, 25, 26, 27), wherein the lattice mast assemblies (24, 25, 26, 27) each have a lattice mast assembly width (BGB) that is smaller than the lattice mast width (BG) and/or a lattice mast assembly height (HGB) that is smaller than the lattice mast height (HG), and wherein the connecting rods are fixedly connected to a chord element (15) in a working arrangement, wherein the lattice mast assemblies (24, 25, 26, 27) each form a quarter of the lattice tower cross-sectional area.