Telescopic Crane Segments with Perpendicular Joints for Verticality Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cranes with telescopic segments mounted on moving platforms face challenges in maintaining verticality when the platform is not horizontal, leading to inclined lifting conditions and undesirable stresses due to the inability to correct for terrain slopes, as existing technologies do not allow for effective adjustment of segment angles to counteract platform tilt.
Innovation Solution
A crane with three mutually transverse segments, featuring two perpendicular articulated joints that allow for angle adjustments between segments, equipped with a tilt sensor and electronic control system to automatically correct the vertical orientation of the crane end, using actuator means to alter segment angles and ensure verticality even on sloping terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crane is mounted on a moving platform without articulated joints for angle adjustment, then the structure is simpler and more stable, but the crane cannot correct verticality when the platform is tilted due to terrain slope
Solution Approach 1:
The crane is divided into multiple segments (first segment attached to platform, second segment with engagement device) connected by articulated joints. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently adjusted relative to others, enabling verticality correction while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The crane structure transitions from a fixed rigid configuration to a dynamic adjustable configuration through the introduction of articulated joints. These joints allow real-time angle adjustments between segments to compensate for platform tilt, making the crane adaptable to varying terrain conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated joints are added to allow angle adjustment between segments, then the crane can correct verticality on sloped terrain, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated joints serve multiple functions: they enable angle adjustment for verticality correction, allow telescopic movement for reach adjustment, and provide structural connection between segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The crane system uses its own articulated joints and actuator means to automatically detect and correct verticality deviations caused by terrain slope. The tilt sensor detects the deviation, and the control system actuates the joints to self-correct the orientation without external intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If the crane segments are kept fixed relative to each other, then the manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the crane envelope cannot be reduced in retracted position nor increased in vertical reach
Solution Approach 1:
The crane segments are designed with dynamic connection through articulated joints that allow relative movement. The second segment can telescope along the axis of the first segment, enabling the vertical reach to be increased when needed while maintaining a compact retracted position.
4Device complexity
If the crane lacks articulated joints for verticality correction, then the crane structure is simpler, but unexpected shifts and stresses occur on segments and crane base during lifting on sloped terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated joints and actuator means are positioned and configured to preemptively counteract the harmful effects of terrain slope before lifting operations begin. By pre-adjusting the segment angles to achieve vertical orientation, the system prevents unexpected shifts and stresses that would otherwise occur during load handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A crane with telescopic segments is mounted on a moving platform (40). It has three segments (10, 20 and 30) and two articulated joints -a first one (11) between segments 10 and 20, and a second one (21) between segments 20 and 30-, said articulated joints (11, 21) being perpendicular to each other and allowing the correction for verticality of the distal end of said crane, provided with a tilt sensor (60) in case the moving platform (40) is not perfectly horizontal. A crane control method comprises measuring the deviations of segment 30 relative to the vertical and carrying out corrections so as to automatically restore the verticality of said crane end, causing segments 20 and/or 30 to rotate relative to their respective articulated joints (11 and 21).