Portable Jib Mounted to Crane Girder for Load Positioning
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead cranes in facilities like nuclear power plants lack the ability to efficiently raise and lower loads during modernization, installation, and removal processes without additional lifting devices, and the positioning of load lifts is often inefficient due to limited space and the need for personnel handling.
Innovation Solution
A portable jib system that can be mounted to a crane girder, comprising a base frame with end trucks and wheels for travel, a support member with a mast, and a boom with a hoist for raising and lowering loads, allowing for assembly and disassembly to facilitate easy positioning and handling of loads without external lifting equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional overhead cranes are used without additional lifting devices, then the crane structure remains simple, but the ability to raise and lower loads during modernization, installation, and removal processes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is segmented into a portable jib that can be independently assembled and disassembled from the crane structure. The jib includes separate components (jib arm, support structure, hoist mounting) that can be configured as needed, allowing the crane to gain lifting capability without permanently modifying the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static crane structure to a dynamic configuration by adding a movable,可拆卸 jib assembly. The jib can be positioned at different locations along the crane bridge and easily reconfigured or removed based on operational requirements, providing adaptability without permanent structural changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lifting devices are positioned above the crane, then the ability to raise and lower loads is improved, but the location for load operations and material placement becomes very limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning lifting devices only vertically above the crane, the portable jib extends horizontally from the crane bridge structure. This creates additional operational space and allows load operations to occur at multiple positions along the crane span, not just at fixed vertical points.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable jib assembly serves multiple functions: it provides lifting capability, extends operational reach along the crane bridge, and can be repositioned to different locations. This multi-functional design allows load operations and material placement at various positions rather than limiting operations to a single fixed location.
3Ease of operation
If the portable jib is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jib is divided into discrete, standardized components with clear assembly interfaces. The modular design includes pre-fabricated sections that can be quickly connected using standardized fastening mechanisms, making assembly and disassembly straightforward despite the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized intermediate connection elements and mounting interfaces are used between jib components and the crane structure. These intermediary elements simplify the assembly process by providing uniform connection points, allowing workers to assemble and disassemble the complex jib structure using repeatable, straightforward procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable jib for movably mounting to a crane girder includes a base frame configured for traveling along a girder and a support member coupled to the base frame, wherein the support member extends substantially upward from the base frame. A boom is coupled to a free end of the support member and the boom extends substantially radially outward from the support member. The base frame, the support member and the boom are assembled and mounted to the girder for use and disassembled and removed from the girder after use.