Articulated Arm Mechanical Locking for Compact Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Articulated operating arms with multiple articulations face challenges in compact folding and flexible conduit management due to large angular displacements, which limits their usability and durability, especially when used in construction machines like excavators.

Innovation Solution

The articulated operating arm features three rotatable articulations with a mechanical locking mechanism between the second and third articulations, and a swivel joint mechanism in a hollow shaft connecting the first and second articulations, allowing for efficient folding and improved conduit management through reduced angular displacement and protection of conduits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the articulated operating arm uses multiple articulations to achieve compact folding, then the folding capability is improved, but the conduit management becomes more difficult due to large angular displacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding compactnessVSAvoidconduit management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating arm is divided into multiple articulations (first, second, and third articulations) that can fold relative to each other. This segmentation enables compact folding while the swivel joint mechanism in the hollow shaft manages conduits by allowing rotational movement without twisting, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and conduit management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A swivel joint mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element within the hollow shaft connecting the first and second articulations. This swivel joint acts as a mediator that accommodates angular displacements and rotational movements, allowing conduits to pass through without being subjected to excessive bending or twisting, thereby simplifying conduit management while maintaining folding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the articulated operating arm allows large angular displacements for flexible operation, then the operational range is improved, but the durability decreases due to increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational rangeVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow shaft is designed with a swivel joint mechanism that anticipates and accommodates large angular displacements before they cause damage to the conduits. This prior cushioning effect protects the conduits from excessive bending and twisting that would otherwise occur during large angular movements, thereby maintaining durability while preserving operational range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel joint mechanism changes the parameter of angular displacement management by allowing rotational movement within the hollow shaft. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate large angular displacements without transmitting the full stress to the conduits, thus maintaining both operational range and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the articulated operating arm uses a hollow shaft with swivel joint for conduit management, then the conduit protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit protectionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support between articulations, contains and protects conduits, and incorporates a swivel joint mechanism for rotational movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures for conduits, thereby improving conduit protection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduits are nested within the hollow shaft, and the swivel joint mechanism is nested within the hollow shaft structure. This nesting arrangement integrates conduit protection into the existing structural framework rather than adding separate protective elements, thus improving conduit protection with minimal increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2576919B1Articulated operating arm with mechanical locking means between arm sections

Publication Date: 2018.08.15 HUDSON BAY HOLDING BV

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

Articulated operating arm (100) on which one or more implements are or can be mounted, comprising substantially three articulations (101,102,103) which are pivotally connected to each other, which substantially three articulations comprise a first articulation, a second articulation and a third articulation which is intended for connection to the one or more implements, which second articulation is pivotally connected at a first end to the first articulation an at a second end to the third articulation, wherein the substantially three articulations are rotatable adjacently of each other in order to form a shortened arm, this such that during the rotation a mechanical locking of the third articulation occurs between the second and the first articulations.