Tear Down Crane Sweating System

Project Summary

The goal of this project is to create a crane like structure capable of dispensing large amounts of water in order to cool dies so they may be separated through thermal contraction from their hot initial state.

Design Requirements

• Dispense water from fire hose

• Retract out of the way between uses

• Spray water at a constant vertical angle

• Easily and intuitively adjustable by operators

• Heavy Duty construction

Brainstorming and Analysis

• Performed Structural Analysis to understand loads on arms

• Used analysis and CAD to size piston and control system

• Using parallel beams to constrain end plate

• Using air flow controller to limit speed of movement

• Overbuild system to ensure operator mistakes don't result in damage

• Use standard steel structural elements

• Limit welding for easier construction

Result

The design chosen was a 4 beam parallel setup to maintain vertical alignment with bearings to achieve required angle with an air actuated piston for control.

The prototype was installed and worked nominally.

4 days after initial installation, the crane was impacted by another overhead gantry crane that destroyed it.