Bifurcated Boom Assembly for Torsion Control and Wider Actuator Arc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom assemblies in machines like excavators and backhoes face issues with torsional forces and limited movement arcs due to the mounting of linear actuators, particularly for electromechanical actuators with larger packaging sizes, which affect the structural integrity and operational range of the boom.
Innovation Solution
The boom assembly features a bifurcated portion with two legs that accommodates the linear actuator between them, reducing torsional forces and allowing the actuator to move within this space during the boom's movement, thereby increasing the movement arc and accommodating larger actuator packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the linear actuator is mounted at one side of a non-bifurcated boom, then the structural design is simpler, but the torsional forces acting on the boom increase
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into a bifurcated structure with two separate legs instead of a single solid structure. This segmentation allows the actuator to be mounted between the legs, creating a more balanced load distribution that reduces torsional forces while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the linear actuator is mounted between the two legs of the bifurcated boom, then the torsional forces are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into two separate legs that are spaced apart, creating a bifurcated structure. This segmentation enables the actuator to be positioned between the legs, which balances the load distribution and reduces torsional forces on the boom structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mounting is transitioned from a side-mounted configuration to a between-legs configuration in the bifurcated structure. This dimensional change in mounting arrangement allows the actuator packaging to be accommodated while reducing torsional forces through more favorable load distribution.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional non-bifurcated boom is used, then the movement arc is limited, but the structure is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The bifurcated boom structure with two separated legs provides additional clearance space that enables the actuator to move through a larger arc during operation. The segmentation creates geometric freedom that increases the movement arc compared to a traditional solid boom design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bifurcated configuration introduces an additional spatial dimension for actuator movement. By positioning the actuator between the legs rather than alongside a solid boom, the structure accommodates a larger movement arc through the available three-dimensional space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an electromechanical linear actuator with larger packaging is used, then the actuator can accommodate increased movement requirements, but it requires more space that traditional booms cannot provide
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into two legs with spacing between them, creating a between-legs region that accommodates the actuator packaging. This segmentation transforms the cross-sectional area utilization, allowing the actuator to be housed in the space between the legs rather than requiring additional lateral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator packaging is accommodated by utilizing the spatial volume between the bifurcated legs rather than expanding the lateral cross-section. This dimensional approach allows the actuator housing to fit within the geometric configuration created by the separated legs, accommodating larger packaging without increasing the overall boom footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A boom assembly (10) for a machine is provided. The boom assembly comprises a mount (12), a boom (14), and a linear actuator (16). The boom comprises an upper end (20) configured to be connected to an arm (18), a lower end that is pivotably connected to the mount about a mount-boom pivot, an actuator attachment point located between the upper end and the lower end of the boom, and a bifurcated portion (26) of the boom comprising two legs (27, 28). The bifurcated portion extends between the actuator attachment point and the lower end of the boom. The linear actuator comprises a first end that is pivotably connected to the mount about a mount-actuator pivot (25), and an opposing second end that is pivotably connected to the boom at the actuator attachment point. The linear actuator is connected between the boom and the mount in a plane normal to an axis of rotation of the boom about the mount-actuator pivot, wherein the plane extends between the two legs of the boom.