Bidirectional Boom Hinge for Transport Folding and Obstacle Breakaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom spreaders face challenges in efficiently folding boom sections for transportation and providing a breakaway capability to prevent damage from ground or obstructions during operation, while maintaining efficient product distribution.
Innovation Solution
A boom spreader design featuring a main boom section and an end boom section with a connecting plate and actuator, allowing independent folding and breakaway functions, utilizing a folding axis tilted 1-45° from vertical and a breakaway axis tilted 1-45° from horizontal, with a reset assembly and shock absorbers to manage the transition between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the boom is made foldable to reduce transport profile, then transportation capability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the folding function and breakaway function into a single hinge assembly. The hinge includes both a folding axis for collapsing the boom and a breakaway axis for releasing the boom tip, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables folding for transport, provides breakaway capability for obstacle avoidance, and maintains structural integrity during operation. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If the boom tip is made breakaway to prevent damage from obstructions, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breakaway mechanism is integrated into the hinge assembly rather than being a separate system. The hinge includes a breakaway axis that allows the boom tip to release from the main boom when encountering obstructions, providing protection while using the same structural components that enable folding
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the main boom and the boom tip. It provides controlled release through the breakaway axis when needed, while maintaining structural connection during normal operation, thus protecting the boom tip without requiring a complex separate release mechanism
3Productivity
If the folding axis is tilted to improve folding efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the breakaway performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge design uses asymmetric axis orientations: the folding axis is tilted at 1-45° from vertical to optimize folding mechanics, while the breakaway axis is tilted at 1-45° from horizontal to optimize breakaway performance. This asymmetric configuration allows each axis to be optimized for its specific function without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second rotational dimension with the breakaway axis oriented perpendicular to the folding axis. This allows the boom tip to rotate about the folding axis for collapsing and about the breakaway axis for releasing, effectively using different dimensional rotations to optimize both functions independently
4Strength
If the boom sections are made rigid for structural strength, then strength is improved, but the ability to fold and breakaway worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into the main boom and the boom tip section, connected by the hinge assembly. This segmentation allows each section to maintain structural rigidity and strength while the hinge connection provides the necessary flexibility for folding and breakaway operations
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly provides dynamic connectivity between the main boom and boom tip. During normal operation, the connection is rigid for strength; during folding, it allows rotation about the folding axis; and during obstacle contact, it allows release about the breakaway axis. This dynamic behavior maintains strength while enabling adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A boom spreader has at least one boom comprising a main boom section and an end boom section. A connecting plate is situated between the main boom section and the end boom section, the connecting plate rotatably mounted on the main boom section through a first pivot defining a folding axis. The end boom section is pivotably mounted on the connecting plate through a second pivot defining a breakaway axis, the breakaway axis non-perpendicular to the folding axis and tilted at an angle in a range of 1-45° from horizontal. An actuator connected to the main boom section and the connecting plates folds the end boom section between an operating and a transport position. A reset assembly connected to the end boom section and the connecting plate returns the end boom section to the operating position after the end boom section is deflected to a breakaway position.