Octagonal Crane Pedestal Base Using Segmented L-Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane foundation designs are complex, costly, and difficult to assemble/disassemble, with limited stability and load distribution capabilities, especially in uneven ground conditions, posing risks to workers and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A base pedestal assembly comprising four L-shaped base units with beveled corners forming an octagonal structure, connected by fastening devices that support pads for improved load distribution and stability, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple interconnected blocks are used to support the crane, then the bearing capacity and stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation is divided into four identical L-shaped base units that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each unit is a simplified version of the whole, making manufacturing easier while the collective assembly provides the required stability and bearing capacity through their interconnected configuration.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple design with fewer components is used, then the manufacturing and transportation cost is reduced, but the structural stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Four separate L-shaped base units are merged together through fastening devices to form a unified octagonal base structure. This combining approach allows each individual unit to be simple and easy to manufacture, while the merged assembly achieves the structural stability and bearing capacity required for crane support.
3Ease of operation
If four individual pads are used to support the crane legs, then the construction is simplified, but the stability is reduced when ground bearing capacity varies due to weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation design transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of four separate pads to a three-dimensional interconnected structure formed by L-shaped units. This dimensional change creates interdependence between the support elements, allowing the structure to better distribute loads and maintain stability when ground bearing capacity varies across different locations due to weather conditions.
4Reliability
If interconnected blocks are used to achieve adequate load distribution and overturning resistance, then the crane stability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation is segmented into four identical L-shaped base units with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and disassembly through repetitive connection operations, reducing the time and cost penalties typically associated with complex interconnected structures while maintaining the required overturning resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a base assembly for supporting a crane pedestal. The base assembly comprises four base units, each having a first end and a second end, and each base unit being of an L-shape with an outside beveled corner. Fastening devices connect each base unit at their first and second end to respective first and second ends of another of the four base units. The four base units are dimensioned so that, when connected by said fastening devices, they form an octagonal-shaped base structure. The four base units are also dimensioned to support four pads that each rest on a face of each unit adjacent to its beveled corner when the four base units are assembled in the octagonal-shaped base structure. Also disclosed is a method for assembling a base assembly for supporting a crane pedestal and a fastening device for connecting the ends of two units together.