Integrated Locking Mechanism for Concrete Pump Support Legs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing truck-mounted concrete pumps have separate locking devices for swivel legs, which are costly and increase the overall weight of the equipment.

Innovation Solution

A dual-function locking mechanism is integrated into the telescopic section of the front swivel leg, allowing it to lock both the telescopic section and the rear swivel leg together, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and reducing weight and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate locking devices are provided for securing swivel legs and locking telescopic sections, then the support device achieves reliable locking functions, but the overall weight and cost of the truck-mounted concrete pump increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidoverall weight of truck-mounted concrete pump

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate locking functions into a single integrated locking device. The locking device includes a locking member that can lock the telescopic section to the swivel section, and simultaneously lock the swivel leg assembly to the chassis. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate locking devices, reducing overall weight and cost while maintaining reliable locking capabilities for both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple locking tasks. The locking member can engage with different engagement surfaces to achieve different locking objectives: locking the telescopic section relative to the swivel section, and locking the swivel leg assembly relative to the chassis. This universal design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate locking devices are provided for securing swivel legs and locking telescopic sections, then the support device achieves reliable locking functions, but the cost of the truck-mounted concrete pump increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate locking functions into a single integrated locking device. The locking device includes a locking member that can lock the telescopic section to the swivel section, and simultaneously lock the swivel leg assembly to the chassis. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate locking devices, reducing overall weight and cost while maintaining reliable locking capabilities for both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple locking tasks. The locking member can engage with different engagement surfaces to achieve different locking objectives: locking the telescopic section relative to the swivel section, and locking the swivel leg assembly relative to the chassis. This universal design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the telescopic section is completely retracted into the swivel section, then a compact design is achieved, but the telescopic section requires space in the other swivel leg

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretracted volume of telescopic sectionVSAvoidspace required in swivel leg

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nesting arrangement where the telescopic section can be fully retracted into the swivel section. The swivel section is designed with a recess that accommodates the telescopic section when retracted. This nesting configuration minimizes the volume occupied by the telescopic mechanism while maintaining compact overall dimensions of the support device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4083346B1Supporting device for an automatic concrete pump

Publication Date: 2023.11.08 LIEBHERR MISCHTECHN

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AI summary

The invention relates to a support device for a truck-mounted concrete pump, comprising a frame, at least one front pivot leg, and at least one rear pivot leg. The pivot legs are pivotally connected to the frame relative to each other, with the front pivot leg being telescopically extendable. The front pivot leg comprises a pivot section pivotally mounted on the frame, with at least one telescopic section slidably mounted therein. The latter, in a retracted position, can be at least partially stored in a recess of the rear pivot leg. According to the invention, the telescopic section of the front pivot leg includes a locking means by which the telescopic section can be locked in a retracted and telescoped position (first position) relative to the rear pivot leg, and in an extended position (second position) relative to the pivot section.In the second position, the front pivot leg can be pivoted and/or pivotable relative to the rear pivot leg. The invention further relates to a set consisting of a front and a rear pivot leg of a support device according to the invention, as well as a truck-mounted concrete pump with a support device according to the invention.