Crane Tool Hose Routing Through Open Joints and Rotator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for guiding hydraulic, electrical, and data communication lines in crane-borne tools face challenges in ensuring accurate and secure data transfer, particularly due to the limitations of existing swivel solutions and the susceptibility of lines to damage and interference during crane operations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging 'open joints' in the link arrangement and a central penetration in the rotator to allow flexible lines to run in an arc pathway, reducing the need for complex swivel solutions by enabling coaxial communication of hydraulic fluid, electricity, and data through the rotator's axis of rotation, thus allowing for improved mobility and protection of lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional swivel solutions are used to allow rotation and fluid communication, then hydraulic fluid can be transferred during pivoting and rotation, but electrical and data communication becomes unreliable due to play and faults in electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates hydraulic fluid communication from electrical/data communication by using different pathways: hydraulic hoses run through the rotator's axis of rotation, while electrical cables and data lines are routed externally along the crane arm, eliminating the need for electrical swivels and their associated connection reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary routing structure where hoses run in a pathway forming an arc between holders at the crane arm end and the rotator, allowing rotational movement without requiring electrical swivels, thus protecting data and electrical communication from the mechanical wear and play inherent in traditional swivel solutions
2Ease of operation
If hoses are arranged freely on the outer surface of crane arm sections, then they allow sufficient movement and loop formation for pivoting, but they become susceptible to damage from external impediments such as tree branches
Solution Approach 1:
The hose arrangement is nested within the structural geometry of the crane arm and rotator assembly, running in a pathway that forms an arc between holders positioned at the crane arm end and the rotator, which protects the hoses from external damage while maintaining sufficient mobility for operational movement
Solution Approach 2:
The hose pathway is arranged in a three-dimensional arc configuration rather than a simple linear or surface arrangement, allowing the hoses to accommodate rotational and pivoting movements while being positioned away from external hazards
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hoses are arranged centrally inside the crane arm and link arrangement, then they are protected from external damage, but they require complex routing to accommodate pivoting and rotation movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication pathways by routing hydraulic hoses through the rotator's axis of rotation while electrical cables and data lines are routed externally along the crane arm, simplifying the routing complexity for each type of line
Solution Approach 2:
The hose pathway is arranged in a three-dimensional arc configuration between holders at the crane arm end and the rotator, providing a natural routing path that accommodates movement without requiring complex mechanical guides or reels
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrical swivels with displaced lines are used for data communication, then rotation is allowed, but accurate measurement and positional data transfer cannot be ensured due to play and faults in electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts electrical and data communication completely from the rotational swivel mechanism, routing these sensitive lines externally along the crane arm where they are not subjected to rotational stress, mechanical play, or connection faults that would compromise measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary arc-shaped hose pathway that allows rotational movement to occur without affecting the electrical and data communication lines, which remain stationary and protected from mechanical interference, thus preserving measurement accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an arrangement for the guidance of flexible lines that run from a crane arm (3) through its end section (2) to a tool (4), that is suspended at the crane arm through a link arrangement (5) and a frame that is a component of a rotator (6) for rotation around a vertical first axis (A) and in a cardan manner around second (B) and third (C) horizontal axes, For the discrete and protected passage of hoses, it comprises - a first holder (35) in an opening (3A) of the end section (2), - a second holder (38) in a central region of the rotator (6), - a first hose package (1 A-1 D) that extends between the said first (35) and second holders (38), - a penetration (26) in a central region of the rotator (6) and permitting hydraulic fluid to pass through the rotator (6) and onwards to a lower part (18) of the same - at least one of the said second (B) and third (C) horizontal axes comprises an "open joint".