Articulated Work Machine Boom Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated work machines, such as loader backhoes, experience premature failure of mounts due to high load transfer, leading to reduced endurance life, and existing solutions fail to enhance load-bearing capacity without increasing weight.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reinforcement member with a peripheral edge secured to side plates and mounts, forming a continuous compartment that distributes loads effectively, with welding techniques ensuring secure connections without additional weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the boom structure is reinforced to withstand increased loads, then load-bearing capacity and endurance life are improved, but the weight of the boom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is achieved through segmented components (reinforcement plates, mounts, and web structures) that are strategically positioned at high-stress areas rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire boom. This allows load-bearing capacity to be improved at critical locations without adding excessive weight throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies reinforcement selectively at specific locations where loads are transferred (mount areas, joint regions) rather than uniformly across the entire boom. The reinforcement plates and structural members are concentrated at these critical points, providing enhanced strength where needed while minimizing overall weight increase.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the boom structure is reinforced to withstand increased loads, then endurance life is improved, but the weight of the boom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endurance life is extended through segmented reinforcement elements (multiple plates, mounts, and web structures) positioned at high-stress concentration points. This segmented approach addresses fatigue and wear at critical locations without requiring uniform reinforcement that would significantly increase weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is applied locally at mount attachment points and joint regions where fatigue and wear occur most frequently. This targeted approach extends endurance life at critical failure points while minimizing overall weight increase of the boom structure.
3Strength
If reinforcement structures are added to the boom, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plates, mounts, and web structures are integrated into a unified structural system where components work together as a cohesive load-path. The reinforcement members are collectively secured to form continuous compartments that distribute loads efficiently, reducing the need for additional separate reinforcement elements and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structures serve multiple functions: they strengthen the boom, distribute loads, provide mounting surfaces for hydraulic components, and form protective compartments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining enhanced load-bearing capacity.
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 configuration enhances load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance, allowing the boom to support greater loads for a longer period with minimal weight increase, thereby extending the machine's endurance life.
Implementation Method 1
A reinforcement member having a peripheral edge is collectively secured to one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate. The reinforcement member forming a continuous compartment is spaced from the surface of the side plate, the peripheral edge forming a continuous connection with the one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate
Implementation Method 2
The present invention further relates to a method for assembling an articulating member for a work vehicle. The method includes welding each mount of the at least one pair of mounts to a corresponding portion of a surface of a side plate of the pair of side plates. The method further includes welding the separator plate to each of the side plates and a corresponding mount of the at least one pair of mounts.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating member of a work machine includes a side plate of an opposed pair of side plates, each side plate of the pair of side plates having a surface facing the other side plate. At least one mount forming a pivot joint is secured to corresponding portions of each facing surface of a side plate of the pair of side plates. A separator plate is positioned between the pair of side plates. A reinforcement member has a peripheral edge collectively secured to one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate. The reinforcement member forms a continuous compartment spaced from the surface of the side plate, the peripheral edge forms a continuous connection with the one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate, and the at least one mount is fully secured to the one side plate surface.