Tower Crane Step-Changing Frame With Swing Rod Assistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of step-changing devices in tower cranes, particularly small- and medium-sized ones, requires manual labor due to their heaviness, necessitating multiple operators and resulting in low efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A tower crane step-changing device with a step-changing frame and swing rod, featuring supporting arms, a connecting crossbeam, and a swingable sliding column system, allowing for easier attachment and detachment from tower sections with reduced effort, enabling single-operator operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation is used to attach or detach the step-changing device from steps, then the device can be operated with simple structure, but multiple operators are required and operation efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestep-changing efficiencyVSAvoidoperation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A swing rod is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the step-changing frame. The operator applies force to one end of the swing rod, which transmits and amplifies this force through lever action to move the heavy step-changing frame. This mediator enables a single operator to control the heavy device without direct manual handling of the frame itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The step-changing frame is designed with hinged supporting arms that can dynamically swing between different positions. The frame transitions from a static heavy structure to a dynamic system that can be moved with reduced effort through controlled swinging motion, enabling easy attachment and detachment from tower crane steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the step-changing device is designed with heavy structure for strength and stability, then it can support the upper part of the tower crane, but it becomes laborious to operate and requires multiple operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupporting capacityVSAvoidoperation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The swing rod serves as a mechanical intermediary that allows the operator to move the heavy step-changing frame without directly lifting or pushing it. By applying force to the swing rod, the operator utilizes lever mechanics to generate sufficient force to position the heavy frame, maintaining structural strength while reducing operational effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The step-changing frame incorporates hinged supporting arms that enable dynamic movement through swinging motion. This dynamic design allows the heavy structure to be repositioned with minimal effort by exploiting rotational motion around hinge points, rather than requiring direct linear force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple operators are used to operate the step-changing device, then the device can be controlled more easily, but the operational cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation easeVSAvoidstep-changing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The swing rod acts as a force-transmitting intermediary that enables a single operator to control the heavy step-changing frame. The rod transmits and amplifies the operator's input force through lever action, making the device easy to operate with one person while reducing the time required for coordination and operation compared to multiple operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances step-changing efficiency by reducing manual labor and eliminating the need for multiple operators, while also allowing operation from a distance, thus lowering operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

The upper end of the step-changing swing rod is hinged to the upper vertical web member and is configured to push or pull the connecting crossbeam when a force is applied to the lower end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The upper ends of the two supporting arms are both hinged to the upper vertical web member of the climbing frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4707218A1Tower crane step-changing device and tower crane
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HUNAN ZOOMLION CONSTR HOISTING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4707218A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4707218A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4707218A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a tower crane and a tower crane step-changing device, which includes a step-changing frame and a step-changing swing rod. The step-changing frame includes two supporting arms and a connecting crossbeam connecting them. The upper ends of the two supporting arms are both hinged to an upper vertical web member, and the lower ends of the two supporting arms are each provided with clamping openings corresponding to a step. The upper end of the step-changing swing rod is hinged to the upper vertical web member and is configured to push or pull the connecting crossbeam when a force is applied to the lower end. Operators can use the step-changing swing rod to drive the step-changing frame to swing, to make it catch or detach from the step, resulting in less effort than directly controlling the step-changing frame. In this way, even one operator can operate a heavy step-changing frame, effectively improving the step-changing efficiency.