Articulating Support for Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing methods for articulation supports in work machinery require large stocks of specific parts to accommodate various dimensions and kinematics of hydraulic excavators, leading to inefficiencies and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A joint support device with an invariable lower part and an upper part adapted to specific kinematics, featuring angled orifices and intersecting flanges, along with cylindrical members and adaptation bearings, allows for the production of a generic part that can be adjusted to fit different machines, simplifying production and improving adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specific parts are produced for each hydraulic excavator model to accommodate various dimensions and kinematics, then adaptability to different machines is improved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a generic support part that can be universally used across multiple hydraulic excavator models. The support incorporates adaptable features such as repositionable orifices and adjustable axis stop systems that can be configured to match different machine specifications, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely separate parts for each model while maintaining proper kinematic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support part is divided into modular components including the generic support body, separately positionable orifices, and adjustable axis stop mechanisms. This segmentation allows the same generic support to be customized for different machine models by reconfiguring these modular elements rather than manufacturing completely different integrated parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific parts are maintained in stock for different machine models, then adaptability is improved, but inventory costs and production efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single generic support part that can serve multiple machine models through reconfiguration, the patent eliminates the need to maintain large inventories of model-specific parts. This universal approach streamlines production workflows and reduces stockholding requirements while still providing proper fit and function across different excavator models.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional quick coupler designs are used with parallel orifices, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different kinematics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-orientation orifices of traditional designs into dynamic, repositionable elements. The orifices can be adjusted to different angular positions and coordinates to match the specific kinematic requirements of different machine models, while still being integrated into the generic support structure that maintains manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The generic support is pre-manufactured with the capability to accommodate various kinematic configurations, and the specific orientation of orifices and position of axis stops are predetermined during the configuration phase rather than requiring complete redesign and remanufacturing for each machine model.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
The invention concerns, for one class of construction work machines, the manufacture of an articulating support for a pivoting quick-release fastener at the end of the machine arm. The method includes: manufacturing a generic support comprising two lateral flanges (11, 12) positioned at a specific spacing (LO), said flanges having a sufficiently wide surface (S) to allow the fabrication of machined supports of various dimensions; a specializing step (E1) including machining anew the generic support to delimit on each flange an upper edge (14) adapted to the clearance conditions; a step (E2) of drilling orifices (D31, D32) whereof the position is adapted to the clearance conditions; a step (E3) of machining in the lower part (22) connecting means (100, 200); a specializing step (E4) for immobilizing cylindrical members (24, 25) with adaptation bearings (4, 5) inserted into the orifices and enabling the device (D) to be laterally guided on the arm.