Boom Reel System for Mining Machine Conduit Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining machines, such as electric shovels, lack a reliable method to deliver grease, hydraulic fluid, and electricity to the dipper, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to inadequate conduit management.
Innovation Solution
A reel system is integrated within the boom of the mining machine, featuring a reel with drive members and conduits that maintain an optimal sag, allowing for efficient delivery of hydraulic fluid, grease, and electricity to the dipper, while minimizing axial and bending loads on the conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conduits are directed from base to dipper through the boom, then hydraulic fluid and grease can be delivered to the dipper, but the conduits are subject to high axial and bending loads causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible hoses instead of rigid conduits to connect the reel system to the dipper. These flexible hoses can accommodate the dynamic movements and positioning changes of the dipper while reducing axial and bending loads compared to rigid conduit systems, thereby maintaining structural integrity during mining operations
2Reliability
If a reel system is added to manage conduits, then conduit management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reel system is integrated within the existing boom structure of the mining machine, merging the conduit management function with the structural framework already present. This integration approach adds the necessary reel mechanism while utilizing existing space and structural support, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The reel system serves multiple functions: it manages hydraulic conduits, supports electrical wiring, and accommodates grease lines simultaneously. By designing a universal reel mechanism that handles multiple types of conduits through a single system, the patent avoids the need for separate management systems for each conduit type, thus controlling complexity while improving reliability
3Ease of operation
If additional controls or motors are added to the reel system, then reel operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reel system is designed to be passively driven by the natural movement and positioning of the dipper during mining operations. As the dipper moves and changes position, the reel automatically winds or unwinds the conduits through mechanical coupling with the dipper's movement, eliminating the need for separate motors or active control systems while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A mining machine includes a boom having an interior chamber, a saddle block coupled to the boom, a handle slidably coupled to the saddle block, and a reel system disposed at least partially within the chamber.