Single-Mast Bridge Crane Layout for Capacity and Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranes, such as jib cranes and workstation cranes, face limitations in weight capacity, span and reach, and require significant installation time, with workstation cranes also having a large footprint that disrupts factory workflows.
Innovation Solution
A crane design combining features of both jib and workstation cranes, featuring a mast, support beams, runway beams, a bridge, and a trolley with a hoist, allowing for enhanced mobility and flexibility in lifting and lowering objects, with optional counterweights for stability and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a workstation crane is used, then weight capacity and span are improved, but installation time and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system is divided into modular components: a mast assembly, a trolley assembly, and a load capacity assembly. These modules can be independently manufactured and assembled, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining high weight capacity. The mast assembly includes a vertical mast with crossbars that can be quickly assembled without requiring extensive construction work.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal runway beam configurations to a vertical mast-based structure. This dimensional change allows the crane to achieve greater span and reach capabilities without proportionally increasing the footprint space required, thereby reducing installation complexity and time while maintaining lifting capacity.
2Loss of time
If a jib crane is used, then installation time and space requirements are reduced, but weight capacity and span are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the space-efficient vertical mast structure of jib cranes with the high capacity bridge-trolley system of workstation cranes. The mast assembly provides compact installation similar to jib cranes, while the trolley assembly with bridge structure enables higher weight capacities and greater spans, achieving both benefits simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley is configured to move along the crossbars of the mast assembly, providing dynamic positioning capabilities. This mobility allows the crane to achieve greater span and reach without requiring a larger structural footprint, thereby maintaining quick installation while increasing operational capacity.
3Strength
If a workstation crane is used, then weight capacity is improved, but space requirements and workflow disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes vertical space through the mast structure, allowing the crane to achieve high weight capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint. The vertical mast with horizontally extending crossbars creates a three-dimensional lifting envelope that maximizes capacity within minimal floor space, preventing workflow disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable trolley assembly allows the lifting point to be repositioned along the crossbars, providing flexible reach and span without requiring additional structural space. This dynamic configuration enables the crane to adapt to different lifting scenarios within the same compact footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A crane may comprise a mast that includes a base end and a top end located opposite the base end, at least one support beam fixedly coupled to the mast adjacent the top end of the mast, a first runway beam fixedly coupled to the at least one support beam, and a second runway beam spaced from the first runway beam. In some embodiments, the first runway beam defines a first end and a second end, and the mast is located closer to the first end than the second end. The crane may also comprise a bridge movably coupled to the first runway beam and the second runway beam, a trolley movably coupled to the bridge, and a hoist coupled to the trolley. In some embodiments, the crane only comprises one mast.