Bidirectional Boom Hinge for Folding and Obstruction Breakaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boom spreaders face challenges in transporting due to the width of booms, which encounter ground obstructions and overhead limitations, necessitating a robust and simple arrangement for folding and breakaway capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A boom design with a main and end section, utilizing a connecting plate and actuators for folding and a reset assembly for breakaway, allowing independent operation of these functions to manage obstructions and facilitate transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the boom is made foldable to reduce overall profile for transport, then the transport capability is improved, but the structural complexity increases due to additional folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding mechanism and breakaway mechanism into a single hinge assembly. The hinge allows the end boom section to perform both folding motion (for transport) and breakaway motion (for obstruction avoidance) through a unified structural design, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it enables folding of the boom for transport, provides breakaway capability when the boom encounters obstructions, and allows reset to the original position. This multi-functional design improves transport capability while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate mechanisms for each function.
2Reliability
If the boom is provided with breakaway capability to prevent damage upon encountering obstructions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The breakaway mechanism is merged with the folding hinge assembly. The same hinge that enables folding also provides the breakaway function through its tilted breakaway axis, allowing the end boom section to pivot upwardly and rearwardly when encountering obstructions. This integration eliminates the need for separate breakaway mechanisms and reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform both folding and breakaway functions universally. The breakaway axis is tilted at an angle of 1-45 degrees from horizontal, enabling the hinge to automatically allow breakaway motion when force is applied by obstructions, while maintaining the folding capability for transport. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the boom sections are pivotably connected to allow independent folding and breakaway operations, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple pivot points
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single hinge assembly with connecting plates. The hinge connects the end boom section to the main boom section and provides both folding (through the folding axis) and breakaway (through the tilted breakaway axis) capabilities in one integrated component, reducing the number of separate pivot points and connections needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly with connecting plates serves as a universal joint that handles both folding and breakaway operations. The connecting plate is rotatably mounted on the main boom section and the end boom section is pivotably mounted on the connecting plate, creating a multi-functional connection point that improves operational flexibility while consolidating complexity into a single designed component rather than multiple separate mechanisms.
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
The design effectively folds booms for transport and provides a breakaway mechanism to protect against ground and overhead obstructions, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a reset assembly connected to the end boom section and the connecting plate, wherein the end boom section is pivotably connected to the connecting plate through a second pivot, the second pivot defining a breakaway axis
Implementation Method 2
an actuator connected to the main boom section and the connecting plate, wherein the connecting plate is rotatably connected to the main boom section through a first pivot, the first pivot defining a folding axis so that actuation of the actuator folds the end boom section
Data Source
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.