Free
Standing. A free standing jib crane is bolted directly to the
floor, there is no need for any external supports. This
necessitates a much sturdier structure than other jib cranes that
utilize already existing structure for their support. Depending
upon the load required by the application, the floor may or may not
require additional concrete. Often a standard 6 inch
reinforced concrete floor, found in most factories, is sufficient. Pictured
is a typical example of a free standing jib crane.
Wall/Column
Mount w/Articulating Arm. The crane pictured to the right can be
mounted either on the wall or on a building column. Also, please
notice that the container is positioned inside the bed of the truck
using an articulating arm. The articulating arm gives the
operator a full range of x,y motion even though the handling aid on
the end of the jib is itself stationary, i.e., it can not move along
the rail. Jib
Crane
Ceiling
Mount. Shown to the left is an example of a ceiling mounted Jib
Crane. Because of the moment arm of the system this type of jib
can exert great forces upon the ceiling joists.
Jib Cranes and Intelligent Assist Devices. The combination
of jib cranes with Intelligent Assist Devices, IAD's as they are
becoming known, are an incredibly powerful blend of old and new
technologies. Utilizing these two devices, it is possible for
the IAD to move freely within a large envelope, so the jib crane
affords the IAD freedom of movement. On the other hand the IAD
makes possible such advanced features as "float mode" and
programmable movements.
For instance, it is possible for the Intelligent Assist Device to
detect where the jib is at and allow height changes accordingly.
In position A, it may be allowable for the height of the end
effector to be anywhere within a range of say, 2 ft to 4 ft above
the floor, while in position B, a height of 4ft 2in to 4ft 6in may
be the allowable range, and at position C it may be mandatory to
retract the unit to a height of 6ft.
"Float mode" is the ability of the IAD to feed cable out only to
a given level, then with the lightest of touches from the operator,
either up or down, the end effector can move up or down
respectively. Then with the touch from the operator withdrawn,
the unit will "balance" again, hanging freely waiting patiently on
the next touch.
Other features of the IAD are programmable;
acceleration, maximum speed and virtual limits. In addition, there
are IAD’s available that work in tandem with intelligent trolleys.
So, if you need not only programmable height, but also a trolley to
move back and forth on your application, along a rail, this is
possible too. These trolleys are also capable of programmed
stopping points along the rail, programmed speeds and accelerations.
For all intents and purposes, these devices can
be combined to make a low end robot of sorts. Find out more about
jib cranes and IAD’s and their capabilities by contacting our
helpful sales staff and making an inquiry today.
