Telescoping Crane Boom Locking Head Drive for Faster Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing telescoping boom systems are time-consuming in extending and retracting sections due to the limitations of the telescoping cylinder's extension and retraction speed, which affects the number of lifts in a fixed time period and increases load on the assembly by uneven weight distribution, and face difficulties in engaging and coupling sections due to high pressure from the trombone tube.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with an elongated member, a locking head, and a cabling assembly interconnected between an actuator and the locking head, allowing the locking head to move along the elongated member, driven by a rod-barrel or cable drum actuator, enabling faster extension and retraction with improved weight distribution by keeping the drive system within the base section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a telescoping cylinder is used to extend and retract movable sections, then the sections can be driven outward and inward, but the extension and retraction speed is limited and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping cylinder is divided into two independent functional components: a locking head for engaging/disengaging sections and a drive system for moving the locking head. This segmentation allows the drive system to reposition the locking head independently, enabling faster cycle operations by separating the locking function from the positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking head is pre-positioned within the base section using the drive system before the telescoping operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the locking mechanism to be ready for immediate engagement, reducing the overall time required for extension and retraction cycles.
2Length of moving object
If the telescoping cylinder extends to a length corresponding to the combined length of base section and movable section, then the movable section can be extended, but the weight is distributed away from the fulcrum increasing the load on the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system and telescoping cylinder are extracted from the movable section and relocated entirely within the base section. This extraction concentrates the weight of the drive mechanism at the fulcrum point rather than distributing it along the extended boom, reducing the moment arm and decreasing the load on the telescoping assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a trombone tube is used to provide pressure to the locking pin system, then the locking mechanism can operate, but the high pressure may move the entire telescoping cylinder out of proper position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking head is separated from the drive system, with the locking mechanism contained within the locking head and the drive system positioned independently in the base section. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be actuated by high pressure without transmitting that pressure to the entire telescoping cylinder, preventing positional displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable assembly acts as an intermediary between the drive system and the locking head. The cable transmits the driving force from the drive system to the locking head without requiring direct rigid connection, allowing independent positioning and operation of the locking mechanism without affecting the overall cylinder position.
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 solution enhances the speed of section extension and retraction, reduces the time required for operations, and improves load handling capacity by maintaining the drive system's weight within the base section, eliminating the need for a trombone tube and providing an independent lock actuator for efficient telescoping boom operations.
Implementation Method 1
A cabling assembly is interconnected between the actuator and the locking head such that the locking head is driven to move along the elongated member in response to operation of the actuator. The cabling assembly includes a cable and a plurality of sheaves.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system (46) for a telescoping boom (22) includes an elongated member (48), a locking head (50) configured to be driven on the elongated member, an actuator (52) configured to drive the locking head on the elongated member, and a cabling assembly (54) interconnected between the actuator and the locking head such that the locking head is driven on the elongated member in response to operation of the actuator, the cabling assembly including a cable (64) and a plurality of sheaves (66, 68). The telescoping boom includes a base section (34) and one or more telescoping sections (36, 38, 40) configured for telescoping movement relative to the base section, and the locking head is configured to selectively engage and disengage a telescoping section of the one or more telescoping sections.