Crawler Crane Cylinder Retraction Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crawler crane self mount/dismount devices require time-consuming and labor-intensive preparatory work, and the hydraulic cylinder can interfere with the hook or hoisting rope during operation, posing risks of damage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder retraction system that allows the hydraulic cylinder to swing between a retracted and operating attitude using guide portions attached to the lower boom, preventing interference with the hook or hoisting rope and reducing operational burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic cylinder is held closely along the ventral surface of the lower boom by applying large tensile force to the sling, then the hydraulic cylinder is in a safe position during operation, but the hydraulic cylinder, sling and connecting areas are placed under excessive load and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hydraulic cylinder and the lower boom. It provides a controlled path for the rod front end, enabling the hydraulic cylinder to be positioned closely along the ventral surface of the lower boom during retraction without requiring excessive tensile force on a sling. The guide portion distributes and controls the forces involved, preventing excessive load on the hydraulic cylinder, sling, and connecting areas while ensuring the hydraulic cylinder remains in a safe position.
2Strength
If the hydraulic cylinder is held at a distance from the lower boom to avoid excessive load, then the load on connecting areas is reduced, but the hook or hoisting rope may interfere with the hydraulic cylinder during crane operation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion serves as a mediator that enables the hydraulic cylinder to achieve the retracted attitude (positioned closely along the ventral surface of the lower boom) without requiring excessive force. By providing a guided path for the rod front end, it allows the hydraulic cylinder to be positioned safely close to the lower boom while avoiding interference with the hook or hoisting rope, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing load and preventing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion is designed to be movable, allowing it to adapt its position as the hydraulic cylinder extends and contracts. The guide portion can move to engage with the rod front end when needed and disengage when not needed, enabling dynamic control of the hydraulic cylinder's position. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain the hydraulic cylinder in a safe position during operation while avoiding excessive load conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the hydraulic cylinder is positioned to swing freely between retracted and operating attitudes, then operational flexibility is improved, but the hydraulic cylinder may interfere with the hook or hoisting rope
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion acts as a mediator that controls the swinging motion of the hydraulic cylinder. It provides a defined path for the rod front end, guiding the hydraulic cylinder through its motion between the retracted and operating attitudes. This controlled guidance maintains operational flexibility while ensuring the hydraulic cylinder does not interfere with the hook or hoisting rope during its movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder retraction system causes a crawler side frame hoisting hydraulic cylinder, swingably suspended on a ventral surface side of a lower boom, to swing between a retracted attitude, in which the hydraulic cylinder is set along a ventral surface of the lower boom, and an operating attitude, in which the hydraulic cylinder is oriented along a vertical direction. As the rod of the hydraulic cylinder, currently having the operating attitude, is contracted by a predetermined extent, the rod front end of the hydraulic cylinder is guided by the guiding portion until the hydraulic cylinder takes on the retracted attitude. As the hydraulic cylinder, currently having the retracted attitude, is extended by a predetermined extent, engagement between the rod front end of the hydraulic cylinder and the guiding portion is released so as to allow the hydraulic cylinder to take on the operating attitude.