Boom Anti-Tip System with Load-Sensing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of lifting machines face challenges in determining the safe lifting capacity due to the complex interplay of boom length, angle, and tipping moment, often relying on judgment rather than precise measurements, which can lead to unsafe operations.
Innovation Solution
An anti-tip system that includes a load-sensing mechanism with guide and force arms, a strain gauge, and a microprocessor to directly measure the tipping moment, providing real-time load readings and ensuring the boom operates within safe limits by controlling the hydraulic actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator uses judgment to determine safe lifting capacity, then the operation is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the operator's subjective judgment with an automated mechanical sensing system. The load-sensing means including guide arms and force arms with strain gauges automatically measure the tipping moment, converting mechanical forces into electrical signals for precise digital readout, thereby eliminating reliance on operator estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guide arms as intermediary components that mediate between the boom load and the force arm. The guide arms transmit only vertical forces while isolating horizontal forces, allowing the force arm and strain gauge to measure purely the vertical loading component, thus simplifying the measurement mechanism while improving precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boom length is increased to extend working range, then the adaptability improves, but the lifting capacity decreases due to increased distance from tipping point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the strain gauge continuously monitors the actual tipping moment, and this information is displayed to the operator. This real-time feedback allows the operator to understand the current lifting capacity at any boom configuration, enabling safe operation across the full extended range without exceeding capacity limits.
3Reliability
If the operator monitors boom movements manually, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of safe operation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system self-monitoring through the automatic measurement of tipping moment by the load-sensing means. The system continuously tracks its own operational parameters without requiring external monitoring equipment, providing real-time safety information through the digital display and enabling automatic control integration.
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 system enables precise monitoring of the tipping moment, allowing the lifting machine to automatically stay within safe operating limits, enhancing operator safety and preventing accidents caused by external factors like wind or earth movements.
Implementation Method 1
Attached to the force arm is a strain gauge that measures the force exerted on the force arm by the boom supporting member during operation.
Implementation Method 2
the load supporting member is a hydraulic actuator configured to generate a lifting force to the boom
Implementation Method 3
Cranes and other types of articulated lifting machines lift and support a-heavy load loads by applying the principle of leverage. The weight of the lifting machine, the location of the machine's tipping point, and its attachment to the ground are balanced against the size, shape, and weight of the load being lifted.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-tip system for a lifting machine that includes a boom pivotally attached to a boom pivot joint, boom supporting member that raises or lowers the boom with a load attached to the boom, and a boom supporting member that supports, and transfers forces exerted on the boom to the lift machine's chassis. The system includes a bracket attached to the chassis that includes at least one guide arm and at least one force arm. The guide and force arms are pivotally attached at their proximal ends to the bracket's base and their distal ends converge and pivotally coupled at a common pivot joint that also pivotally connects to the boom supporting member. The longitudinal axes of the guide and force arms are perpendicularly aligned. When assembled, the extended longitudinal axis of the guide arm passes through the boom pivot joint. A strain gauge is attached to the force arm that measures the force exerted on the force arm.