Boeing Overhead Crane Skew 

KPFF investigated persistent technical issues related to crane skew with an 18 bridge, multi-hook underhung bridge crane system in Boeing’s 4-20/21 final assembly building. This crane system, installed onto an existing runway rail system in 2004, was designed to allow payloads to be moved anywhere within Boeing’s 1,000,000M+ square foot final assembly building with a single pick. Due to significant crane skew incidents, operation of these cranes had been limited and aircraft production had been delayed. Working closely with Boeing’s engineering and operations staff, KPFF developed a report on the causes/issues in the system, before developing design of an innovative skidsteer system that actively controls bridge crane skew.

This work included detail modifications to the crane bridge trolley and drive systems to improve compliance and eliminated binding, and the implementation of a servo-control system to actively monitor and correct crane skew. KPFF performed all structural and mechanical design, while working closely with an electrical subconsultant to help implement the necessary controls logic. Design work is mostly complete and the final system will be prototyped with KPFF working with one of Boeing’s pre-selected Contractors. KPFF has several other current contracts at the Boeing Renton plant including a Hangar Door Repair project and work on the existing movable bridge over the Cedar River.