Swinging Rope Retainer for Crane Boom Sheave
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rope retainers for crane booms require tools and multiple parts for adjustment, making the process complex and time-consuming, especially since operators must access the boom head, which is typically high off the ground, increasing the risk of dropping tools and parts.
Innovation Solution
A swinging rope retainer supported by the boom, with a pivotally mounted shaft that can be easily moved between a retaining position parallel to the sheave and a removal position skewed relative to the sheave, allowing for one-handed operation and reduced parts, using a pin and holder mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rope retainer with a shaft mounted between brackets is used, then the rope can be retained on the sheave, but the operator must use tools and multiple hands to disassemble and adjust the rope, increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer shaft is designed to be dynamically movable between a retained position (parallel to the sheave) and a removed position (skewed relative to the sheave). This dynamic positioning allows the operator to easily access the rope for adjustment by simply moving the shaft, eliminating the need for tools and complex disassembly procedures while maintaining rope retention when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the retainer shaft is completely removed from the boom, then the operator can access the rope, but the shaft becomes unsupported and must be held, creating safety risks and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is segmented into a movable shaft portion and a fixed support structure. The shaft can be independently positioned between retained and removed states while remaining connected to the boom through the support structure. This segmentation allows the operator to access the rope when needed while the support structure continuously provides stability and prevents the shaft from becoming completely unsupported.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners and supports are used to secure the retainer, then the retainer is stable, but the number of parts increases and the adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated support structure. The support structure incorporates both the mounting connection to the boom and the retention mechanism for the shaft into one unified component. This merging reduces the total number of separate fasteners and supports needed while maintaining both stability and ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the rope adjustment process by eliminating the need for tools, reducing the number of parts, and enabling faster operation while minimizing the risk of dropped parts due to secure frictional engagement and easy pivoting, allowing operators to manage the retainer with one hand.
Implementation Method 1
A first fastener connected to the first support forming a pivot point for the shaft
Implementation Method 2
secure frictional engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus assists in retaining a rope in connection with a sheave on a boom. The apparatus includes a retainer supported by the boom for swinging outwardly relative to the sheave from a first position adjacent to the sheave for assisting in retaining the rope therein and a second position for facilitating removing the rope from the sheave. A holder may be provided for holding the retainer in the second position, so that the operator's hands are freed for other tasks. A receiver may also be provided for temporarily receiving a locking pin once removed from the retainer, thus helping to guard against loss.