Ballast Device Positioning Element Guide Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballast devices for construction and handling equipment require skilled operation and precise positioning, which is challenging due to the reliance on guide bolts or bores that are not easily visible and provide limited assistance in preventing tipping during assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A ballast device with a positioning element attached to the upper side of the ballast element, featuring a guide element and counter-guide element that interact to facilitate precise positioning, prevent tipping, and provide additional support, along with a continuous bushing for easy cleaning and a chamfered bolt for easier centering, allowing for secure and stable connection to the ballast platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guide bolts or guide bores are attached to the support of the ballast element, then positioning assistance is provided, but the positioning process still requires high skill and precision, and the guides are not easily visible
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is inverted from the conventional location under the ballast element to the top surface. This inversion makes the guide element highly visible and accessible during assembly, eliminating the visibility problem of conventional guide bolts or bores while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element extends laterally beyond the ballast element in a horizontal dimension, creating an L-shaped configuration. This dimensional extension provides both visibility and interaction capability with adjacent bodies, solving the visibility issue while maintaining positioning precision.
2Reliability
If guide bolts or guide bores are used for positioning, then some positioning assistance is provided, but the ballast element remains vulnerable to tipping during assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is merged with the positioning element to form an integrated L-shaped structure. This combination unifies the positioning function and anti-tipping function into a single component, eliminating the need for separate guides while providing both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element serves multiple functions: it provides lateral positioning guidance through the guide element, prevents tipping through its structural configuration, and maintains the coupling surface functionality. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one component perform both positioning and stability roles.
3Ease of operation
If the positioning element is attached to the top of the ballast element with lateral protrusion, then visibility and positioning ease are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element and positioning element are merged into a single integrated L-shaped component rather than being separate parts. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the improved positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed to perform multiple functions including positioning guidance, anti-tipping support, and maintaining coupling surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing structural complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The removable ballast weight (20) forming part of the ballast unit (1), includes a positioning component fitted to its upper side. This projects to the side, above the ballast weight. The positioning component includes a guide working with a complementary guide arranged on the upper side of a first body, near which the ballast weight is arranged, when installed. The positioning component has an arm running part-way along the upper side of the ballast weight, with the guide component at its free end.