Movable Adapter for Vehicle Crane Boom Load Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile cranes face challenges in improving load-bearing capacity and simplifying setup processes, particularly with existing adapters that do not efficiently distribute forces and require additional or higher-quality materials, leading to increased costs and potential deformation.

Innovation Solution

A mobile crane design featuring a movable adapter between the main boom and the main boom extension, where the first connection level is laterally displaceable and angled relative to the second connection level, allowing for optimized force introduction and passive or active seesaw movement, thereby enhancing load capacity without the need for additional materials or stronger hydraulic cylinders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid adapter is fixed between the main boom and main boom extension, then structural stability is maintained, but load-bearing capacity is limited and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidmaterial quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a movable connection level that can shift position relative to the main boom, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system. This allows the adapter to passively adjust its configuration in response to applied loads, optimizing force distribution and increasing load-bearing capacity without requiring additional or higher-grade materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the adapter system by allowing the connection level to move between different positions. This parameter change enables the same adapter structure to adapt its mechanical properties (lever arms, force angles) based on loading conditions, effectively increasing strength without adding material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If additional or higher-grade materials are used in the adapter, then load-bearing capacity improves, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using stronger materials, the invention employs a dynamic mechanism where the movable connection level allows the same material to perform more effectively by optimizing force transmission geometry under different loading conditions, thereby maintaining strength requirements without increasing material grade or cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the pivot point is positioned centrally on the adapter, then static stability improves, but setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic stabilityVSAvoidsetup simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable connection level provides a dynamic solution where the pivot point can be positioned forward during setup operations for ease of alignment and attachment, then naturally shifts to a more central position under load to optimize static stability. This eliminates the need to choose between setup ease and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the adapter is designed to move passively under load, then load distribution optimizes, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distributionVSAvoidadapter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates a single degree of freedom (movable connection level) that enables passive movement under load. This minimal dynamic element allows the structure to self-adjust and optimize load distribution without requiring complex mechanisms, multiple actuators, or sophisticated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3793929B1Vehicle crane comprising a movable adapter between the main boom and the main boom extension
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 TADANO DEMAG GMBH
  • EP3793929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3793929B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3793929B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle crane (1), in particular a mobile crane or a crawler crane, comprising a main boom (8), a main boom extension (16), and an adapter (12) which is located between the main boom (8) and the main boom extension (16) and which has a first connection plane (I) and a second connection plane (II), wherein the adapter (12) is designed to be movable such that the first connection plane (I) can be moved relative to the second connection plane (II). In order to provide a vehicle crane which has improved load-bearing capacity and simplified set-up, according to the invention the adapter (12) is designed in the manner of a double lever.