Boom Link Sensor Linkage for Protected Horizontal Position Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines, such as excavators, face issues with unreliable position sensors on boom links due to exposure, limited measurement capabilities in horizontal planes, and space constraints, leading to frequent damage and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A configuration that includes a mounting bracket, position sensor, and multiple links that rotate horizontally to transfer boom rotation to a rotary element, allowing for accurate measurement of horizontal rotation while protecting components within the machine's interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position sensors are located on exposed portions of the boom, then measurement of boom movement is enabled, but the sensors are frequently damaged or fail due to dirt, debris, or contact with objects
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor is nested within the interior of the boom structure, specifically mounted on an interior surface of the boom. This nesting protects the sensor from external damage while still allowing it to measure boom movement through the mechanical linkage system that transmits motion from the exterior boom to the interior sensor location.
2Device complexity
If straight-bar links are used to connect position sensor to machine element, then connection is simplified, but placement of sensor and link connection points is limited due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage is segmented into multiple links (first link and second link) connected in series between the boom and the position sensor. This segmentation allows the linkage to navigate around space constraints within the boom interior, providing placement flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure at each link junction.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are used to measure boom movement in vertical plane, then extension/retraction and up/down movement are captured, but horizontal plane movement (side-to-side) cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends measurement capability from the vertical plane to the horizontal plane by orienting the position sensor and its linkage system to detect side-to-side movement. The first link connects to the boom in a position that allows it to rotate about a vertical axis, enabling the sensor to measure horizontal rotation while the second link transmits this motion to the sensor for measurement.
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
Enhances measurement accuracy and reduces damage to sensors by enclosing them within the machine, improving operational reliability and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first link fixedly connected at a first end to the position sensor and configured to rotate about an axis through a rotary element of the position sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A machine may include a body, a boom link, a swing casting, and a boom. The boom and the swing casting may be configured to rotate horizontally about an axis through the boom link. The machine may further include a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the swing casting, a position sensor fixedly connected to the boom link, a first link fixedly connected at a first end to the position sensor and configured to rotate about an axis through a rotary element, and a second link fixedly connected at a first end to the mounting bracket and at a second end to a second end of the first link. The first link and the second link may be configured to rotate horizontally with horizontal rotation of the boom and the swing casting and to transfer the horizontal rotation of the boom and the swing casting to the rotary element.