Can a Knuckle Crane Idea Work with 5 X 1/4 Square Tubing?

  • Thread starter Thread starter schnipp69
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Crane Idea
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using 5" x 1/4" square tubing for a knuckle boom crane design intended for small-scale applications. The user seeks to determine the maximum load capacity of the tubing while considering height and weight restrictions, emphasizing the need for safety and compliance with engineering standards. Participants highlight the importance of professional engineering input to ensure safety and adherence to applicable codes, as many DIY crane projects have led to accidents. The user acknowledges potential stability issues with the design's placement, suggesting that it may not be viable. Overall, the conversation underscores the necessity of thorough research and professional guidance before proceeding with the project.
schnipp69
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I need to figure the load on a knuckel boom for a idea I have . it is like the ones that are located on the frames of trucks right behind the cab to be able to unload the truck or trailer. This will be of a smaller stature. The arm would pivot in the middle and rotate. and use hydraulic cylinders to move and lift the load. closer to a robot. I am looking and 5" X1/4" sq tubing and I need help on how to figure the max load on the tubeing to see it the application will even work. where it will be located I am restricted by weight and room and the need for an assy on the end to perform a function I have a pdf sketch which is pretty bad View attachment Full page photo.pdf the length of the tubing the longest is 78" shorter one is 60" the angle lines are the points the hydraulic cylinders attach roughly like I said it is a rough sketch
 
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Designing a crane requires a large body of engineering knowledge and skills.

And that is just a starting point.

After that, it also requires a detailed understanding of applicable standards and codes. Certain laws in your area may also apply.

The reason for all these standards, codes, and laws is that lots of folks thought they could home build a crane and ended up killing people. It really requires not only a professional engineer, but one who has a detailed understanding of all the requirements and how to meet them.

All this is extremely expensive. That is the reason it is so much cheaper to just go buy a crane than to build one yourself.
 
Check out Autodesk Force effect. Pretty sweet for a starting point if you have an ipad or iphone.



But I agree with Pkruse. Get your idea going, then hire an engineer to polish it up.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I know what you are saying I am familar with the codes and the factors of building a crane. It is close to one I am just looking for info to see if it will work at all like I said there is hieght and wieght restrictions I am looking at. so I just want to know the ball park number if I can't come close with this it will not work. If I can then it will require futher engineering to really know. This is only 1 of 3 options I am looking at. this one requires the least space to perform its funtion as compared to the other 2 If i can not safly build it to not break I don't build it no matter what it is Just researhing options here
 
But I agree with Pkruse. Get your idea going, then hire an engineer to polish it up.[/QUOTE]

That is better advice than I gave.

Post a sketch and a free body diagram of what you have in mind and perhaps we can start an interesting discussion.

The normal way to start this is to define how much load you need to lift, at what radius, and to what height. Selecting material comes much later.
 
schnipp69 said:
I know what you are saying I am familar with the codes and the factors of building a crane. It is close to one I am just looking for info to see if it will work at all like I said there is hieght and wieght restrictions I am looking at. so I just want to know the ball park number if I can't come close with this it will not work. If I can then it will require futher engineering to really know. This is only 1 of 3 options I am looking at. this one requires the least space to perform its funtion as compared to the other 2 If i can not safly build it to not break I don't build it no matter what it is Just researhing options here

Like I said it was researching an option which I am pretty sure will not work . There are going to be stability problems that I think can't beovercome due to it's placement so it is a dead issue. Was trying to cover all the bases before jumping into fullblown engineering to insure the concept had a chance and to not waste time and money. I do thank eveyone for there help and input
 

Thread 'Race car suspension Class'

Posted June 2024 - 15 years after starting this class. I have learned a whole lot. To get to the short course on making your stock car, late model, hobby stock E-mod handle, look at the index below. Read all posts on Roll Center, Jacking effect and Why does car drive straight to the wall when I gas it? Also read You really have two race cars. This will cover 90% of problems you have. Simply put, the car pushes going in and is loose coming out. You do not have enuff downforce on the right...
View full post »
Thread 'Physics of Stretch: What pressure does a band apply on a cylinder?'

Thread 'Physics of Stretch: What pressure does a band apply on a cylinder?'

Scenario 1 (figure 1) A continuous loop of elastic material is stretched around two metal bars. The top bar is attached to a load cell that reads force. The lower bar can be moved downwards to stretch the elastic material. The lower bar is moved downwards until the two bars are 1190mm apart, stretching the elastic material. The bars are 5mm thick, so the total internal loop length is 1200mm (1190mm + 5mm + 5mm). At this level of stretch, the load cell reads 45N tensile force. Key numbers...
View full post »

Thread 'Cantilever help'

I'm trying to decide what size and type of galvanized steel I need for 2 cantilever extensions. The cantilever is 5 ft. The space between the two cantilever arms is a 17 ft Gap the center 7 ft of the 17 ft Gap we'll need to Bear approximately 17,000 lb spread evenly from the front of the cantilever to the back of the cantilever over 5 ft. I will put support beams across these cantilever arms to support the load evenly
View full post »

Similar threads

What size of tube steel is needed for a 1500-2000 lb load on a 48 x 76 frame?
Replies
4
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top