Working principle of automatic windproof rail presser for crane

Huashen D912 12-ton 9-meter truck crane
In the realm of crane operations, ensuring safety in various environmental conditions is of paramount importance. One crucial aspect is protecting the crane from the potentially damaging effects of wind, especially in areas prone to strong gusts. This is where the automatic windproof rail presser comes into play, providing a reliable solution to prevent crane creep and enhance overall operational safety.

SHACMAN 23 Ton Knuckle Boom Crane

The automatically acting windproof rail presser operates on a unique and effective principle. It makes use of the dead weight of the crane to exert force through an inclined plane. This ingenious mechanism is designed to press the anti-skid shoe, also commonly known as an iron shoe, onto the top of the rail. The anti-skid shoe is equipped with a friction liner, which significantly increases the frictional force between the shoe and the rail. By pressing the anti-skid shoe onto the rail, the windproof rail presser effectively prevents the crane from creeping away due to external forces such as wind.

18m Truss Type Bridge Inspection Platform (4)

When the power supply of the moving mechanism is turned off or there is an interruption in the external power supply, a series of events unfolds. The anti-skid shoe slowly falls onto the top of the rail. This is a crucial safety measure as it prepares the crane for potential wind gusts. If the crane is then blown by the wind, after moving a short distance, the anti-skid shoe is pressed even more tightly onto the rail. This action anchors the crane firmly in place, preventing it from being displaced by the wind. The anti-skid shoe acts as a reliable anchor, providing stability and security even in the face of strong winds.
For example, imagine a crane operating in an open area near the coast where strong sea breezes are common. Without the automatic windproof rail presser, the crane would be at risk of being pushed or even toppled over by the wind. However, with the rail presser in place, as soon as the power supply is interrupted, the anti-skid shoe descends onto the rail. If a gust of wind hits the crane, the shoe is pressed firmly against the rail, preventing any unwanted movement.

18m Insulated Bucket Lift Truck (4)

When the crane needs to resume operation and run again, a specific sequence of actions must be followed. First, the crane is moved backward a short distance in advance. This step is necessary to relieve some of the pressure on the anti-skid shoe and prepare it for lifting. Then, the power supply of the hydraulic push rod is turned on. The hydraulic push rod is designed to lift the anti-skid shoe off the rail. Once the anti-skid shoe is lifted, the running mechanism of the crane can be safely started. This carefully orchestrated process ensures a smooth transition from a stationary, windproof state to a mobile operating state.
However, it is important to note that the windproof capacity of the automatic windproof rail presser is limited by the dead weight of the crane. This means that it may not be suitable for tall cranes or those with a relatively light weight. Tall cranes are more susceptible to the effects of wind due to their increased height and larger surface area. The limited windproof capacity is a result of the fact that the force exerted by the dead weight of the crane through the inclined plane may not be sufficient to counteract extremely strong winds on taller cranes.

ISUZU GIGA Truck with 10T XCMG Crane

In such cases, additional windproof measures may need to be considered. For example, taller cranes may require the installation of more robust wind-resistant systems such as guy wires or specialized wind sensors that can trigger additional safety mechanisms when high winds are detected. These supplementary measures can help to enhance the overall stability and safety of tall cranes in windy conditions.
In conclusion, the automatic windproof rail presser for cranes is a valuable safety device that operates on a unique principle of using the crane’s dead weight to press an anti-skid shoe onto the rail. This mechanism effectively prevents crane creep and provides anchorage in windy conditions. However, its windproof capacity is limited by the crane’s dead weight, making it less suitable for tall cranes. Understanding the working principle and limitations of the automatic windproof rail presser is essential for crane operators and safety engineers to ensure the safe operation of cranes in various environments.

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