Composite Telescopic Crane Arm with Embedded Metal Guide Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic arms for cranes are heavy due to their metal construction, which limits their ability to lift heavy loads over long distances and heights, as the weight increases with the load and reach, necessitating a reduction in weight while maintaining or enhancing load-lifting capacity and reach.
Innovation Solution
The use of tubular segments made of composite material with reinforcement fibers and thermosetting resin, combined with metal guide blocks that are partially embedded in the composite material to support transverse loads, allowing for lighter yet robust telescopic arms that can handle heavy loads by distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal segments are used to ensure robustness and load-lifting capacity, then the load-lifting capacity is maintained, but the weight of the arm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal guide blocks with composite material segments. The segments are made of composite material (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer) which provides high strength-to-weight ratio, while metal guide blocks embedded in the segments provide structural support and load-bearing capacity. This composite construction reduces the overall weight of the arm compared to fully metal construction while maintaining sufficient load-lifting capacity.
2Length of moving object
If the distance to be reached and load to be lifted increase, then the load-lifting capacity and reach are improved, but the weight of the arm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material segments with metal guide blocks to achieve extended reach distances without proportionally increasing weight. The composite material allows for longer segment lengths while maintaining acceptable weight characteristics, enabling the arm to reach greater distances compared to traditional metal construction.
3Strength
If metal guide blocks are embedded in composite material segments, then the structural resistance and load distribution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the guide blocks by embedding metal blocks within the composite material segments. The guide blocks simultaneously provide structural reinforcement, load-bearing capacity, sliding guidance between segments, and wear resistance. This consolidation reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the advanced material construction.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A telescopic arm for cranes able to lift a load comprises a plurality of tubular segments (12, 14, 16) which can be extended with respect to each other. At least one of said segments (12, 14, 16) is made of a composite material. The arm comprises longitudinal guide means (45) disposed between said at least one segment (12, 14, 16) and at least another segment (12, 14, 16) associated consecutively and cooperating directly in extension, outside or inside, of said at least one segment (12, 14, 16), the guide means (45) being at least partly drowned in the composite material in corresponding internal surfaces (37) of said at least one segment (12, 14, 16) and external surfaces (36, 38) of said other segment (12, 14, 16) to guide the reciprocal sliding thereof.