Shannon Mowbray, Stephanie, Haley Cook, Taylor

Crane Boom Building Project

Purpose:
We were tasked with designing the most effective crane boom to attach to a predesignated
tower. The crane must adhere to specific given criteria and constraints. In order to be deemed the
most effective, the crane must support the most weight without breaking. The crane must attach
to the tower, have no mechanical fasteners, cannot touch the tower during testing, must have a
max boom length of 20 and must hold the weight independently. The boom must also utilize a
hole to attach to the tower and hold the weight 14 from the tower center.

Overview of Procedure:
The group conducted extensive research into the 12 step engineering process,
orthographic and isometric projection drawing, accurate sketching techniques, common crane
designs, and issues with crane designs, design principles and structural efficiency. After defining
our problem and brain storming several solutions and research we thoroughly looked over the
given problem and identified the criteria and constraints. We took these parameters into our
design and again brainstormed new or revised solutions. After weighing the pros and cons of

each design with a numeric grading system, we chose design #2. This design features two
structural sides with the string down the center that will act as a pulley to support the weights.
This design boasts a strong base and a jointed boom to allow for flexibility when the weight is
applied to the hook at the end of the boom. After designing and making our model we will test its
efficiency, refine the design, create the final product and then communicate the results to our
peers.

Summary:
Our crane boom will utilize the given materials, stay within the constraints and attempt to
be the most efficient by holding the most weight. The design will be detailed and the model will
exactly adhere to the sketch that we evaluated in step 6 of the 12 step engineering design process.