Concrete Pump Axle Load Adjustment via Piston Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile concrete pumps face challenges in optimizing axle load distribution during transport to comply with road traffic regulations, as the position of piston rods within the core pump significantly influences this distribution.

Innovation Solution

The drive pistons are moved into their bottom or rod-side end positions during transport by manipulating the hydraulic circuit connections, using the feed pump and optional auxiliary pumps to shift the center of gravity towards the front or rear axle, allowing for adjustable axle load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the piston rods remain in their last occupied position during transport, then the core pump structure is simple, but the axle load distribution cannot be adjusted to comply with road traffic regulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxle load distribution adjustmentVSAvoidhydraulic circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic circuit uses the existing feed pump and reversible pump to automatically position the piston rods during transport without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The system leverages its own hydraulic components to achieve the desired center of gravity adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the position parameter of the piston rods (between rod-side end position and bottom end position) to adjust the center of gravity and axle load distribution. By controlling the hydraulic pressure distribution, the system can shift the piston rods to different positions to meet road traffic requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the drive pistons are moved into their rod-side end position during transport, then the center of gravity shifts toward the front axle, but additional hydraulic control mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter of gravity positionVSAvoidhydraulic circuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic circuit components (feed pump, reversible pump, main lines, swing oil line) serve multiple functions: they drive the pistons during pumping operations and simultaneously control the piston rod positions during transport to adjust center of gravity. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system positions the piston rods in the desired end position before transport begins, so that the center of gravity is pre-adjusted to comply with road traffic regulations. The hydraulic circuit is configured in advance to achieve this positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustments during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the piston rods are positioned to adjust axle loads, then road traffic compliance is achieved, but the hydraulic circuit requires additional shut-off branches and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad traffic complianceVSAvoidhydraulic circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic circuit is segmented into controllable branches (main lines connected to rod end or bottom end, swing oil line with shut-off capability) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows flexible control of piston rod positions while using existing circuit components, minimizing the addition of complex new mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach enables simple and effective shifting of the center of gravity, ensuring compliance with maximum permissible axle loads and facilitating safe transportation by managing the hydraulic circuit complexity to achieve the desired axle load distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the drive pistons are moved into their bottom or rod-side end positions during transport by manipulating the hydraulic circuit connections, using the feed pump and optional auxiliary pumps

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2867531B1Movable concrete pump and method for use thereof in the transport state
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 PUTZMEISTER ENG GMBH
  • EP2867531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2867531B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2867531B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for using a mobile concrete pump which comprises two conveying cylinders (70, 80), the conveying pistons (72, 82) of which are connected rigidly to the drive piston (71, 81) of an associated working cylinder (7, 8) via in each case one common piston rod (73, 83). In the operating state, the conveying pistons (72, 82) are driven in a push/pull manner by means of a hydraulic pump arrangement (44, 45) with conveying of concrete from a material feed container (32) into a conveying line (50), by the drive pistons (71, 81) being moved to and fro in opposite directions in the working cylinders (7, 8) thereof between the rod-side and head-side end positions thereof. In order, in the transport state, for it to be possible to carry out a displacement of the centroid in the direction of the front axle (13) or rear axle (18) using simple means, it is proposed according to the invention that, in the transport state of the concrete pump, the drive pistons (71, 81) are moved jointly into the head-side or rod-side end position thereof and are held there.