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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a knuckle boom crane design using 5" x 1/4" square tubing. Participants explore the structural integrity, load capacity, and engineering considerations necessary for such a project, while also addressing safety standards and regulations. The conversation includes aspects of design, material selection, and the need for professional engineering input.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a knuckle boom crane concept intended for smaller applications, seeking to understand the maximum load capacity of 5" x 1/4" square tubing.
  • Another participant emphasizes the complexity of crane design, highlighting the necessity of engineering knowledge and adherence to safety standards and codes.
  • Some participants suggest using tools like Autodesk Force Effect for initial calculations and design considerations.
  • There is a recurring mention of the importance of hiring a professional engineer to refine the design after initial feasibility assessments.
  • One participant expresses familiarity with codes and factors in crane construction but seeks rough estimates to determine if the design is viable before committing to further engineering.
  • Concerns about stability issues related to the crane's placement are raised, with one participant indicating that these issues may render the concept unworkable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for professional engineering input and the importance of safety standards. However, there is no consensus on the feasibility of the proposed design, with some expressing skepticism about its viability due to potential stability problems.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention height and weight restrictions that may impact the design's feasibility. There are also indications of unresolved mathematical considerations regarding load calculations and structural integrity.

schnipp69
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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
 
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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.
 
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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
 

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