Active Vibration Control for Concrete Pump Articulated Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Articulated arms used in concrete pumping machines experience significant vibrations due to their length, number of segments, and dynamic loads, leading to operating difficulties, reduced working life, and safety concerns, with existing control methods only reducing vibration onset rather than actively controlling it across the entire arm.

Innovation Solution

A device with a hydraulic control circuit and sensors to detect vibrations, an electronic command board, and a pump system that adjusts fluid flow to actively reduce or eliminate vibrations in the articulated arm, using actuators and a block valve to maintain position and correct for dynamic stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the number of articulated segments or the length of each segment is increased to achieve greater overall lengths, then the reach capability is improved, but the weight and bulk increase which is not compatible with current legislation and vehicle effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall length of articulated armVSAvoidweight and bulk of articulated arm

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies active vibration control through hydraulic actuators that dynamically adjust the position of articulated segments in real-time. This allows the arm to maintain its functional length while compensating for vibrations that would otherwise require heavier structural components, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving greater length and minimizing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the overall length of the arm and number of segments is increased to guarantee maximum flexibility and versatility, then the reach capability is improved, but the vibrations to which the arm is subjected increase causing considerable operating difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and versatility of articulated armVSAvoidvibrations of articulated arm

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect vibrations in each articulated segment and the electronic control unit processes this information to activate hydraulic actuators that counteract the detected vibrations. This active feedback mechanism allows the arm to maintain flexibility and versatility while eliminating the harmful vibrations that increase with arm length and segment number.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing control devices reduce the speed at which the hydraulic cylinder expands/contracts near the stroke end, then the shock and vibrations due to stroke end are reduced, but they do not allow active control of vibrations and only reduce the onset rather than controlling vibrations across the entire arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock and vibrations at stroke endVSAvoidactive control capability across entire arm

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the articulated arm into multiple independently controlled segments, each equipped with its own sensor and hydraulic actuator. This segmentation allows each segment to be actively controlled for vibration reduction independently, providing comprehensive vibration control across the entire arm rather than just reducing shock at stroke ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive mechanical vibration reduction methods with an active control system using sensors, electronic control units, and hydraulic actuators. This substitution enables real-time detection and active compensation of vibrations across all articulated segments, providing superior control compared to mechanical speed reduction methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces and eliminates vibrations across the entire articulated arm, improving working conditions, extending component lifespan, and reducing fatigue and wear, while providing rapid response and safety features.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic control circuit (23) associated with said hydraulic drive circuit (57)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

at least a sensor (55) able to detect said vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

a pump (24) commanded by said electronic command board (28) and cooperating with said block valve (30)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS8925310B2Device to actively control the vibrations of an articulated arm to pump concrete

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 CIFA

AI summary

The device to actively control the vibrations of an articulated arm consisting of a plurality of segments each comprising at least its own actuator associated with a hydraulic drive circuit including a block valve. At least one of said actuators is associated with an hydraulic control circuit of the vibrations, comprising at least a sensor able to detect the vibrations and/or the position of one or more segments, a processing unit to process the signals of the sensor/sensors and a pump commanded by the electronic command board and cooperating with said block valve. The hydraulic control circuit is associated with the hydraulic drive circuit.