Boom fixings and real mini crane pictures

This post will explore a few methods of fixings and boom development from original sources. The bulldog crane now named 'The Grasshopper' as of now, has to be marketable and innovative. I personally believe that idea number 3 looks like a grasshopper.

Slogans such as "Get the Hopper" and "I need help, I need The Grasshopper" are catchy and have a history of adding lasting appeal to a product and gives it a separate identity, a sort of quirky uniqueness.

fig.1

Above (fig.1) is a picture of a green grasshopper for visual aid. (Idea 3 will be shown at a later date.)

Now moving on to more serious matters...

Below is a crane, it uses a 'cradle' to move the object picked up in the x-direction. The object is picked up using chains and hooks, once secure it is elavated to the desired position.

fig.2

This is an excellent model for us to work from. We can use a inverted T beam for the boom itself. An 'I 'beam will work also but will add unnecessary weight, we will try to avoid it unless the stress calculations require the boom to have extra strength. Remebering idea 3 is supported from both ends and is not wall mounted as this one is therefore should be able to hold considerably more than 500kg.

fig.3

Figure 4. shows how the wheels that allow the cradle to move along the boom are fixed. The wheels are on both sides of the boom. They are fixed in place using a bracket that stops them from moving in unwanted directions or falling off. The wheels can be replaced and the entire cradle removed by unscrewing the bolts. This makes it a separate component from the boom, making it easier to transport.
fig. 4

Talking about portability, the boom will roughly be 4m+ so carrying this around either by man or machine power (landrover defender) is dfficult. So a 'hinge' is in order, and I have one that may suite our needs...wala!

fig.5

We can develop and modify this one to suite our needs. OR the two parts of the boom can be separate but connected with bolts.

Heavy duty materials must be used and an accurate stress test is required to determine most of the positioning of the components and type of fixing required.

This post is designed to develop idea no.3 though a considerable amount of the post can be used for idea no.2 also.

These photos are property of Amardeep Singh Dhillon and can only be used with permission from the owner, me.