Asynchronous Telescopic Arm Actuation for Higher Lift Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic arms for self-propelled operating machines face limitations in lifting height and load capacity due to increased mechanical stresses and weight, which restricts the maximum extension and load that can be moved, leading to a constraint on their operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic arm design featuring a main structure with at least three tubular elements, including a fixed outermost element and multiple sliding members with decreasing cross-sections, utilizing simultaneous asynchronous actuation by hydraulic actuators to distribute mechanical stresses and maintain the center of gravity close to the hinge, allowing independent and differential movement of tubular elements to enhance load capacity without increasing material thickness or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the number of sliding members is increased to achieve greater lifting heights, then the lifting height is improved, but the mechanical stresses on the arm structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into multiple tubular segments that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment is acted upon by separate hydraulic actuators, allowing the arm to be segmented into functional units that can be controlled independently to manage stress distribution along the arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the arm segments through simultaneous asynchronous actuation, where the position and velocity of each segment can be independently adjusted. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize stress distribution by coordinating the movement of segments rather than moving them uniformly, reducing peak mechanical stresses while achieving greater lifting heights.
2Strength
If the material thickness is increased to support greater loads, then the load capacity is improved, but the weight of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the arm into multiple independently controlled tubular segments, the patent distributes the load-bearing function across multiple units. Each segment can be optimized for its specific load requirements, allowing thinner-walled tubes to be used in less heavily loaded sections while maintaining overall load capacity, thus reducing total material usage and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the arm system by implementing simultaneous asynchronous actuation, where each segment can move at different velocities and positions. This parameter control allows the system to dynamically adjust stress distribution, enabling the use of lighter materials that would otherwise be insufficient for static high-load conditions, thereby reducing machine weight while maintaining load capacity.
3Strength
If the material quality is improved to handle higher stresses, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the arm into multiple independently controlled units allows each segment to be manufactured separately with standardized, cost-effective materials and processes. This modular approach avoids the need for expensive custom-high-strength materials throughout the entire arm structure, as each segment can be designed for its specific stress requirements using conventional manufacturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing dynamic control through simultaneous asynchronous actuation, the patent changes the stress parameters experienced by each segment during operation. This allows the use of standard-grade materials that can handle the dynamic, distributed loads effectively, rather than requiring expensive high-strength materials designed for static maximum loads, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining mechanical strength.
4Length of moving object
If the number of sliding members is increased to extend the arm further, then the extension is improved, but the functional mechanical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is segmented into multiple tubular members that can extend telescopically while maintaining structural integrity. Each segment is reinforced and independently supported by hydraulic actuators, allowing the overall extension to be increased without compromising the mechanical strength of individual segments. The segmentation allows strength to be distributed and optimized at each level rather than requiring the entire extended structure to bear maximum loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The simultaneous asynchronous actuation system dynamically controls the extension and retraction of each tubular segment, allowing the arm to maintain optimal mechanical strength during extension. By coordinating the movement of segments rather than extending them uniformly, the system prevents excessive bending moments and stress concentrations that would occur in a statically extended arm, thereby maintaining functional mechanical strength at greater extensions.
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
This design maximizes load capacity and maintains mechanical integrity by balancing stress distribution, preventing damage and allowing greater load lifting heights without increasing the arm's dimensions or material quality, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art arms.
Implementation Method 1
actuator means (5) configured for simultaneously and asynchronously actuating said tubular elements (21-26)
Implementation Method 2
maximizes load capacity and maintains mechanical integrity by balancing stress distribution
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Described is a telescopic lifting arm (1) for self-propelled operating machines (10) comprising three tubular elements (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), with a decreasing cross-section and telescopically connected to each other to define a supporting structure, designed to move between a retracted configuration wherein said tubular elements (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) are inserted one in the other and an elongated configuration wherein two tubular elements are partly extracted. The arm (1) comprises actuator means (5) associated with the tubular elements (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) and configured for actuating two tubular elements (21, 22, 23, 24 25, 26) for pulling them out independently from one other and with different speeds.