Stowable Luffing Jib for Crane Boom Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Luffing cranes are cumbersome and time-consuming to set up due to their large size, requiring separate transportation and an additional crane for installation, along with extensive hydraulic line management, making them infrequently used.

Innovation Solution

A compact stowable luffing jib that integrates onto a crane's boom assembly, allowing manual deployment and operation without additional cranes or hydraulic lines, enabling quick and easy installation and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional luffing jib is used, then luffing capability is achieved, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring separate transportation and additional crane assistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluffing capabilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The luffing jib is integrated directly onto the boom assembly, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate transportation and installation of the luffing jib, as it is now permanently attached to the boom and can be deployed immediately when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The boom assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate as a standard boom for常规 lifting operations, and simultaneously functions as a mounting structure for the luffing jib when luffing capability is required. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized separate equipment.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional luffing jib is used, then luffing capability is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex requiring additional equipment and hydraulic line management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluffing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system for the luffing jib is integrated with the existing crane hydraulic system. The luffing cylinder connects to the boom assembly's hydraulic lines, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic lines and pumps. This merging of systems significantly reduces installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing crane hydraulic system is designed to serve multiple functions, including both standard boom operations and luffing jib operations. This universal hydraulic system eliminates the need for additional specialized hydraulic infrastructure.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional luffing jib is used, then luffing capability is achieved, but three vehicles must be present making the process expensive and logistically complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluffing capabilityVSAvoidease of deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The luffing jib, boom assembly, and hydraulic system are merged into a single integrated unit that travels with the crane. This eliminates the need for separate transportation vehicles and assisting cranes, as all components are already present and integrated in the crane itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crane is designed to perform both standard lifting operations and luffing operations using the same integrated structure. This universality means the crane can handle both types of operations with a single vehicle, eliminating the need for multiple specialized vehicles.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10065841B2Compact stowable luffing jib for a crane
Publication Date: 2018.09.04 ALTEC INDS
  • US10065841B2 patent drawing
  • US10065841B2 patent drawing
  • US10065841B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stowable luffing jib provides easy installation to add luffing capabilities to a crane. The stowable luffing jib comprises a base trunnion, a jib assembly, and a cable strut. The base trunnion is secured to the boom assembly and can be selectively placed into a stowed position and a deployed position. While the base trunnion is in the stowed position, the base trunnion is secured along the boom assembly substantially parallel with and adjacent to the boom assembly. While the base trunnion is in the deployed position, the base trunnion is secured to a distal end of the boom assembly and oriented substantially in line with the boom assembly. The jib assembly is secured to the base trunnion and configured to pivot in a substantially vertical plane. The cable strut receives a luffing guy line so as to set an inclined angle of the cable strut relative to the base trunnion.