Tower Crane Trolley Hook Block Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tower cranes face challenges in maximizing tower height and boom length within the constraints of permissible transport length, as the trolley and hook block often require manual securing and releasing, and the boom tip must be shortened to accommodate the trolley in transport position, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a trolley and hook block structural unit that can be automatically locked by a holding mechanism, allowing the hook block to be moved into an opening between hoisting pulleys, forming a secure unit that utilizes the available transport length without shortening the boom parts, enabling maximum tower height and boom length through a compact and articulated boom system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the trolley and hook block are arranged separately on the boom in transport position, then they can be secured using locking elements, but the boom tip must be shortened to accommodate the trolley, reducing the maximum boom length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trolley and hook block into a single integrated unit where the hook block is positioned within the trolley structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate accommodation spaces for both components, allowing the boom parts to maintain their full length without shortening the boom tip for trolley clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook block is nested within the trolley structure, specifically positioned in the region between the hoisting rope pulleys. This nesting arrangement allows the hook block to occupy space within the trolley's footprint rather than requiring additional external space, maximizing space utilization and preventing boom tip shortening.
2Reliability
If manual locking elements are used to secure the trolley and hook block in transport position, then they can be firmly fixed, but manual intervention is required during automatic erection, increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be automatically actuated during the erection process. The holding means on the hook block and the counterholding means on the boom automatically engage when the trolley-hook block unit is positioned in transport location, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of locking elements is replaced by an automatic mechanical engagement system. The holding means and counterholding means are positioned and dimensioned to automatically engage through the movement of the trolley-hook block unit during erection, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated mechanical action.
3Reliability
If the trolley is arranged on a short intermediate piece at the rear end of the crane in transport position, then the trolley can be secured, but the available transport length is not optimally utilized, reducing tower height and boom length
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the trolley at the extreme rear end along the longitudinal axis, the patent positions the trolley-hook block unit in the transverse direction between the booms, utilizing the width dimension of the crane structure. This dimensional shift allows optimal use of the available transport length while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley-hook block unit is positioned in a specific local region between the booms rather than at the general rear end. This localized positioning optimizes the use of available space in the transport configuration, allowing maximum tower height and boom length within the permissible transport length.
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
This solution allows for the full utilization of transport length, enabling a compact and efficient folding mechanism that automatically secures the trolley and hook block, maximizing the tower height and boom length without manual intervention and ensuring the crane's parts maintain optimal length.
Implementation Method 1
a holding means (109a) is arranged on the hook block (5), which can be brought into engagement with a counterholding means (109b) on the boom side for locking
Implementation Method 2
the hoist rope, which is guided over the hoist rope pulleys (116, 117) of the trolley (4) and those of the hook block (5), to form a structural unit
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a tower crane (1) that can be moved from a transport position (T) to an operating position (B) and vice versa, comprising a single- or multi-section tower (2), a multi-section jib (3), a trolley (4), and a hook block (5), wherein the tower sections (2a, 2b) and the jib sections (3a, 3b, 3c) are slidably and/or pivotally connected to one another such that the jib sections lie side by side and/or one above the other in the transport position, and wherein, according to the invention, the trolley and the hook block are arranged between two or more jib sections in the transport position. Furthermore, a retaining element (109a) is arranged on the hook block, which can be engaged with a counter-retaining element (109b) on the jib side for locking.