Pivoting Bucket Jaws for Non-Interfering Crane Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clam shell buckets used with foldable knuckle boom cranes require removal and storage, causing inefficiency and space occupation, as they interfere with the crane column during position changes.
Innovation Solution
A load handling tool with pivotally connected bucket jaws and an actuating device allows the jaws to pivot between a fold-down working position and a fold-up storing position, enabling the tool to remain connected to the crane boom during position changes, utilizing locking devices to maintain the compact state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional clam shell bucket is mounted to the outer boom of a foldable knuckle boom crane, then the bucket can perform load handling operations, but the bucket interferes with the crane column when the outer boom is moved between working and parking positions, requiring removal and storage of the bucket
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket jaws are made dynamically reconfigurable through pivot arms that allow the jaws to pivot between a fold-down working position during load handling operations and a fold-up storing position during crane position changes. This dynamic transformation enables the bucket to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for complete removal and storage while resolving the interference problem with the crane column.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional clam shell bucket is mounted to the outer boom of a foldable knuckle boom crane, then the bucket can perform load handling operations, but space on the lorry must be occupied for storage of the removed bucket
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket jaws are designed to nest within the structure of the pivot arms when pivoted to the fold-up storing position. The first and second bucket jaws pivot upward to rest against each other in a compact nested configuration that fits within the space defined by the pivot arms, eliminating the need for separate storage space on the lorry while maintaining the ability to perform load handling operations when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bucket jaws are made pivotally connected to allow folding, then the bucket becomes more complex with additional pivot arms and locking devices
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is segmented into modular components: first and second bucket jaws, first and second pivot arms, and locking devices. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently configured. The pivot arms act as intermediate elements that connect the jaws to the carrier head, allowing the jaws to pivot between working and storing positions while maintaining structural integrity and enabling straightforward assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load handling tool which is to be attached to a crane boom and comprises first and second bucket jaws (10, 30) pivotally connected to a carrier head (2) via a respective pivot arm (11, 31), and an actuating device (4) for pivoting the pivot arms and the bucket jaws in relation to the carrier head. Each bucket jaw (10, 30) is articulately connected to the associated pivot arm (11, 31) and pivotable in relation to the pivot arm between a fold-down working position and a fold-up storing position, wherein the bucket jaws are configured to be located between the pivot arms and to rest against each other in the fold-up storing position. Each bucket jaw can be locked to the associated pivot arm in the fold-down working position by a locking device (14, 34). The invention also relates to a hydraulic crane provided with such a load handling tool.