Ship Crane Integrating Propulsion System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of additional propulsion devices or energy sources on ships requires separate installation locations, which occupy valuable space and can cause logistical obstacles in cargo transport and handling.

Innovation Solution

A crane system with a support structure that integrates a drive or energy source, allowing it to serve as both a foundation for the hoist and the propulsion system, eliminating the need for a separate installation location and enabling optimal space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate installation location and foundation are provided for additional propulsion systems or energy sources on the ship, then the propulsion system can be installed and function independently, but the space occupied by the additional propulsion system or energy source can no longer be used for stowing cargo or other ship components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent installation and operation of propulsion systemVSAvoidcargo storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the crane support structure with the propulsion system foundation, merging two separate functions (cargo handling and propulsion) into a single integrated structure. The crane's supporting structure serves dual purposes: supporting the hoist for cargo operations and providing a foundation for the additional propulsion system, thereby eliminating the need for separate installation space for the propulsion system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crane's supporting structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both a support for the hoist mechanism (enabling cargo lifting and movement) and as a foundation for the additional propulsion system or energy source. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to serve different operational purposes without requiring additional dedicated space for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate installation location and foundation are provided for additional propulsion systems or energy sources on the ship, then the propulsion system can be installed and function independently, but it may potentially lead to logistical obstacles in cargo transport and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent installation and operation of propulsion systemVSAvoidcargo transport and handling logistics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the crane support structure with the propulsion system foundation, merging two separate functions (cargo handling and propulsion) into a single integrated structure. The crane's supporting structure serves dual purposes: supporting the hoist for cargo operations and providing a foundation for the additional propulsion system, thereby eliminating the need for separate installation space for the propulsion system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crane's supporting structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both a support for the hoist mechanism (enabling cargo lifting and movement) and as a foundation for the additional propulsion system or energy source. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to serve different operational purposes without requiring additional dedicated space for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the drive and/or energy source is integrated into the crane's supporting structure, then space is optimally utilized and no separate foundation is needed, but the functionality of both the hoist and the drive/energy source must be maintained independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidindependent operation of hoist and drive/energy source
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated structure into functionally independent sections. The hoist mechanism and the propulsion system are positioned as separate functional units within the integrated crane structure, each with its own operational independence. This segmentation allows both systems to function independently while sharing the common supporting structure, reducing operational complexity despite the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4292972A1Crane for a ship, and ship having such a crane
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 LIEBHERR MCCTEC ROSTOCK GMBH
  • EP4292972A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4292972A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4292972A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a crane for a ship comprising a support structure which can be connected to a ship and which carries a lifting device, with a drive and/or energy source by means of which a drive force for the ship and/or energy for supplying a consumer of the ship can be generated and which is connected to the support structure in such a way that a load can be moved by means of the lifting device independently of the drive and/or energy source.