Construction Machine Boom Rotation for Expanded Working Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines, such as excavators, have limited working areas due to the restricted rotation of their work mechanisms, which hinders their operational efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine equipped with a drive device that outputs torque centered on rotational axes perpendicular or parallel to the vehicle body, allowing for the rotation of booms, arms, and attachments through multiple drive devices, enabling 360-degree movement and increased operational range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the boom is rotated only in one direction relative to the reference axis, then the structure is simple, but the working area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The work mechanism is divided into multiple independently rotatable components: the boom rotates around a first rotational axis relative to the vehicle body, while the arm rotates around a second rotational axis relative to the boom. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, expanding the overall working area without requiring the entire mechanism to rotate as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple rotational dimensions by establishing different rotational axes. The boom rotates around a first rotational axis that is orthogonal to the reference axis, while the arm rotates around a second rotational axis that is parallel to the first rotational axis. This multi-dimensional rotation capability significantly expands the working area beyond what would be possible with single-direction rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive devices are added to enable multi-directional rotation, then the operational range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each drive device is designed to perform multiple functions. The first drive device rotates the boom around the first rotational axis and can also contribute to arm rotation. The second drive device rotates the arm around the second rotational axis. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve complex operational ranges with a relatively small number of drive devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic rotation capabilities where the rotational axes and ranges can vary during operation. The boom can rotate to both sides of the reference axis, and the arm can rotate around a parallel axis, creating dynamically adjustable operational ranges that adapt to different work requirements, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Area of moving object
If the boom is allowed to rotate to both sides of the reference axis, then the working area is expanded, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates detection means that detect the rotational positions of the boom and arm around their respective axes. This feedback information is used by the control device to manage the multi-directional rotation, allowing the system to track and control the complex movements without excessive difficulty. The detection system provides real-time position data that simplifies the control of bidirectional rotation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A construction machine (10, 110, 150, 170) includes: a drive device (51) outputting torque centered on a rotational axis (51J) perpendicular to a reference axis (K) extending in upper and lower directions of a travelable vehicle body (12); and a boom (61) having a first end portion (61A) coupled to the vehicle body, the boom being rotated around the rotational axis by the torque from the drive device. When viewed in a first direction parallel to the rotational axis, the boom is rotatable to both one side and other side with respect to the reference axis.