Boom Tip Support Device for Tubular Delivery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete pumping units with extendable boom arms are not designed to support overweighted or oversized tubular delivery systems, leading to potential damage and instability due to improper modifications that create serious loading problems.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a rigid upper portion attached to the boom arm and a lower portion secured to the tubular delivery system, featuring a flexible cable assembly that surrounds the delivery system to distribute weight evenly along the center axis, replacing the standard tip section and preventing side loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a tubular delivery system heavier than the standard end hose is hung from the boom tip section, then the delivery system can be extended further, but the boom arm integrity is compromised due to excessive loading
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical suspension (hanging from boom tip) to a combination of vertical and radial support. The tubular delivery system is supported both vertically from the boom tip and radially from the boom arm via the rigid support arrangement, distributing the load across multiple dimensions and reducing the burden on any single structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support arrangement acts as an intermediary structure between the boom arm and the overweighted tubular delivery system. This mediator distributes the excessive weight to the boom arm at multiple points along its length rather than concentrating it at the tip, preventing structural compromise while enabling the use of heavier delivery systems.
2Weight of moving object
If the tip section is removed and the tubular delivery system is hung from the preceding boom arm section, then heavier delivery systems can be supported, but side loads can slew the boom sideways
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support arrangement provides a counterbalancing support structure that opposes the destabilizing side loads. By anchoring the tubular delivery system at multiple points including the boom arm and boom tip, the system creates counteracting forces that prevent the boom from slewing sideways under asymmetric loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different support qualities at different locations: the rigid support arrangement provides fixed, rigid support at the boom arm attachment point, while the cable assembly provides flexible, tension-based support along the tubular delivery system. This localized differentiation of support characteristics stabilizes the boom against side loads while accommodating the heavier delivery system weight.
3Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to support the tubular delivery system, then the boom arm is protected from side loads, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two support functions into a single integrated device: the rigid support arrangement that prevents side loads and the flexible cable assembly that distributes vertical weight. By combining these functions in one unified support device attached to the boom tip, the design protects the boom arm while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the weight of the overweighted tubular delivery system, prevents side loads from slewing the boom, and maintains boom arm integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the tubular delivery system is surrounded by a flexible cable assembly, then the weight is distributed evenly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible cable assembly that surrounds the tubular delivery system, distributing its weight evenly along the center axis. The flexibility of the cables allows them to conform to the tubular system while providing uniform radial support, achieving stable weight distribution through a relatively simple cable-based structure rather than a complex rigid framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A material delivery support device is provided for supporting a tubular delivery system from an outermost end of an extendable boom arm. The material delivery support device includes a rigid support arrangement having an upper rigid portion attached to the outermost end of the boom arm, and a lower rigid portion secured to the tubular material delivery system below the upper rigid portion. A flexible support assembly extends between the upper and lower rigid portions and surrounds the tubular material delivery system. The tubular material delivery system is substantially supported from the upper rigid portion of the rigid support arrangement.