What is the function of an overhead crane buffer?

[VonTaylor]

The function of an overhead crane buffer is to control direction, lifting, forward and backward, left and right movements, as well as limit positioning. Other functions of buffers: In the field of computers, a buffer refers to a buffer register, which is divided into input buffers and output buffers. In other fields, there are elevator buffers, automotive spring buffers, etc., whose purpose is to reduce speed and improve safety and comfort. Principle of buffers: In CPU design, the DC load capacity of a general output line can drive one TTL load. In connections, a single CPU address line or data line may be connected to multiple memory chips, but memory chips are MOS circuits, mainly capacitive loads, with DC loads much smaller than TTL loads. Therefore, in small systems, the CPU can be directly connected to the memory, while in large systems, buffers need to be added.

[LeAdaline]

To be honest, I was also confused when I first heard about crane buffers. It wasn't until I saw the equipment at the steel plant that I realized how crucial these things are. Simply put, buffers are the anti-collision safety pads at both ends of the crane's runway, usually made of polyurethane, rubber, or hydraulic damping. The worst fear is a crane going out of control and hitting the end stops—the buffer can absorb about 80% of the impact force, preventing bridge deformation or track misalignment. Last year in our workshop, the buffers were aged but not replaced, and one collision directly caused the crane track to shift, halting production for three days. Regular checks on buffer compression are a must. For hydraulic buffers, you also need to watch for oil leaks, and polyurethane buffers with cracks exceeding 3mm must be replaced. I remember one night shift when a buffer failed—the collision was so loud it set off alarms throughout the workshop. Just thinking about it still gives me chills.

[McEleanor]

After all these years working in the equipment department, I can fill out the buffer inspection checklist with my eyes closed. It's installed at both ends of the crane beam, mainly to absorb longitudinal impact energy. There are three common types: spring-type (simple structure but prone to metal fatigue), hydraulic-type (good energy absorption but troublesome maintenance), and rubber-type (most widely used today but vulnerable to oil contamination). The key parameters are rated displacement and energy absorption value. For example, the buffer on our 50-ton workshop crane must absorb at least 40kJ of kinetic energy. During the last new equipment acceptance test, we intentionally made the crane hit the buffer at 15% rated speed. The passing standard requires the rebound displacement not to exceed 20% of maximum compression. Failing to meet these specifications could lead to serious consequences.

[Vieira]

Once during an inspection with the senior technician, we discovered a buffer issue. He gave a vivid analogy: the buffer is like the bumper of an overhead crane. Don't underestimate that black lump of rubber - it can save the entire production line when crane brakes fail. It mainly relies on material plastic deformation to absorb kinetic energy, with polyurethane materials achieving rebound rates over 90%. Installation position is particularly crucial - the distance from the rail end must be measured to millimeter precision. Too close and it may trigger falsely, too far and it loses protective function. The maintenance manual specifies quarterly buffer distance checks, but we actually inspect monthly. After all, last time a neighboring factory's steel structure collapsed due to buffer failure.