Trunnion Transportation System for Mobile Lift Cranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile lift cranes face difficulties in quickly and easily disassembling and reassembling crawlers from the carbody, particularly when using a trunnion-mounted configuration, which is essential for pivoting and efficient transportation over uneven ground surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A trunnion connection system with a self-attachment mechanism, utilizing a linear actuator to facilitate the connection and disconnection of crawlers to the carbody, allowing for pivoting and enabling quicker assembly and disassembly, and providing flexibility in transportation configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional bolted connections are used to attach crawlers to the carbody, then the connection can sustain tremendous loads, but the disconnection and re-connection process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsetup and teardown time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into modular components: the carbody with integrated connection ears, the crawler with matching connection ears, and removable pins with retaining structures. This segmentation allows the connection to be quickly assembled and disassembled by simply inserting and securing pins, rather than threading multiple bolts, while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed pin connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Pins serve as intermediary elements that mediate the connection between the carbody and crawler. These pins include retaining structures (such as retaining plates or locking mechanisms) that prevent accidental disengagement while allowing controlled removal. The pins transfer loads between the connection ears of the carbody and crawler, providing a simplified alternative to bolted connections that reduces assembly complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If numerous large bolts are used to connect crawlers to the carbody, then the connection can sustain tremendous loads, but the number of man-hours required for setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsetup efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system divides the load-bearing function across multiple discrete pins rather than requiring numerous large bolts. Each pin is a simple, standardized component that can be quickly inserted and secured, reducing the skill level and time required for assembly while distributing structural loads across multiple connection points between the carbody and crawler.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features. The connection ears on the carbody and crawler are positioned to naturally guide the pins into place, and the retaining structures on the pins automatically engage to secure the connection. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex alignment procedures and multiple fastening operations, significantly improving setup efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the crane is disassembled into smaller components for transportation, then mobility is improved, but the reassembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation flexibilityVSAvoidreassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crane is segmented into major transportable components (carbody, crawlers, boom sections) that can be separated for transportation. The connection system uses standardized, simplified pin-and-ear interfaces that reduce reassembly complexity compared to conventional bolted connections. Each component retains its structural integrity during transport, and the simplified connections allow for straightforward reassembly at the job site without requiring specialized tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 significantly reduces the time and effort required for setting up and tearing down the crane, enhances mobility by allowing easier transportation of crane components, and complies with various global shipping weight constraints.

Implementation Method 1

A linear actuator is connected between the crawler frame and the carbody and extends through the trunnion, providing a powered mechanism for connecting the trunnion to the carbody and the crawler to the trunnion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear actuator: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP2165963B1Trunnion transportation system and crane using same
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 MANITOWOC CRANE CO LLC
  • EP2165963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2165963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2165963B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A mobile lift crane (10) includes a carbody (12,13) and at least four crawlers (14,16), each crawler (14,16) having a crawler frame (27) attached to the carbody (12) by a trunnion (50) so as to be able to pivot with respect to the carbody (12) about the axis (51) of the trunnion (50). A linear actuator (36,70) is connected between the crawler frame and the carbody (12) and extends through the trunnion (50). The linear actuator (36) is part of a self attachment mechanism. The trunnion (50) includes a tubular member (52) with a longitudinal axis (51), a first end (53) configured for connection to the crane carbody (12) and a second end (54) configured for connection to the crawler frame (27). At least one of the ends is configured to allow rotational movement of the crawler frame (27) relative to the carbody (12) about the longitudinal axis (51). The linear actuator (36) is mounted within the hollow central tubular member (52). The linear actuator (36) is preferably a hydraulic cylinder (70). A carbody connector (80) is attached to one end of the hydraulic cylinder (70), and a crawler frame connector (80) is attached to the other end of the hydraulic cylinder (70).