Boom Power Transfer via Distal Pulley

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor systems for construction materials face issues with power transmission to remote ends, particularly in construction sites, where running power lines is impractical due to wear and tear, and there is a risk of air expulsion leading to whip and potential injuries with pump systems.

Innovation Solution

A mobile boom assembly with a power coupling system between the main and distal boom sections, utilizing a distal pulley to drive a gear or hydraulic unit, which transfers power to the distal boom section, allowing for both conveyor belt operation and powering tools at the remote end, reducing the need for external power lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If power lines are run along the boom assembly to provide power at the distal end, then power availability at the placement site is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear and tear in the operating environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidpower line durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the main conveyor belt's motion itself to generate power at the distal end through the distal pulley, eliminating the need for external power lines. The moving object (conveyor belt) serves its own power needs by converting its motion into usable power through the pulley mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical power transmission system (power lines) with a mechanical power transmission system (distal pulley driven by the conveyor belt). This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with electrical power lines in harsh operating environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If pump systems are used to move construction material, then material placement efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of tube breaking and whip injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial placement efficiencyVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-pressure pneumatic pump system with a mechanical conveyor belt system. This substitution maintains material placement capability while eliminating the safety hazards associated with high-pressure air expulsion and tube whip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from pneumatic (air-based) material transport to a mechanical belt-based system, replacing the harmful pneumatic pressure with a controlled mechanical conveying mechanism that safely delivers materials without high-pressure risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If a distal pulley system is used to transfer power to the distal boom section, then power transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower coupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distal pulley serves multiple functions: it is part of the conveyor belt system, acts as a power generation point, and drives the distal boom section. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite improved power transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution ensures reliable power transmission to the distal boom section, reducing the risk of injuries and material waste, while allowing for efficient operation of tools and equipment at the construction site without the need for extensive power line infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

Movement of the main boom section conveyor belt causes the distal pulley at the distal end of the main boom section to turn, and rotation of the distal pulley of the main boom section results in rotation of the drive pulley of the distal boom section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical energy conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

the distal pulley of the main boom section drives a first hydraulic unit that is hydraulically coupled to a second hydraulic unit that drives the drive pulley of the distal boom section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic power transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12122607B1Power transfer from main boom section to distal boom section in a conveyor assembly

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 BYNUM WALTER

AI summary

A boom assembly for conveying material includes a main boom assembly and a distal boom section. The main boom assembly is mounted at one end, and at the distal end of the main boom assembly there is a distal boom section. The main boom assembly can be a telescoping boom assembly having a fixed section and the telescoping section that extends from and retracts into the fixed section. A main conveyor belt transits the main boom assembly and drives a pulley at the distal end of the main boom section, which in turn is used to drive the distal boom section, in particular the distal section conveyor belt. Other equipment can also be powered using electrical or hydraulic means.