Hydropneumatic Crane Suspension with Deactivatable Roll Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile cranes experience undesirable chassis behavior and reduced traction due to roll stabilization, particularly when counterweights or the boom are removed or reconfigured, leading to 'hard' chassis behavior and loss of traction, especially during cornering and off-road driving.

Innovation Solution

A hydropneumatic suspension system with a roll stabilization device that allows selective activation and deactivation of hydraulic connections between suspension struts on either side of the vehicle, using a switching device with valves to manage fluid connections and maintain optimal chassis behavior based on driving conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If roll stabilization is activated to prevent critical driving conditions during cornering, then vehicle stability is improved, but traction of drive wheels is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidtraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between roll stabilization mode and traction mode based on driving conditions. The switching device enables the hydraulic connections to be selectively activated or deactivated, allowing the suspension system to adapt its behavior from stable (cross-connected) to flexible (independent) as needed for optimal performance in different scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If roll stabilization is activated to improve driving behavior, then chassis stability is improved, but axle articulation range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechassis stabilityVSAvoidaxle articulation range
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static roll stabilization configuration to a dynamic system that can switch between stabilized and articulated states. When axle articulation is needed (such as during off-road driving or when navigating obstacles), the switching device deactivates the cross hydraulic connections, allowing each spring strut to operate independently and achieve full articulation range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If roll stabilization is activated to prevent rolling movements, then vehicle stability is improved, but undercarriage frame loads increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidundercarriage frame loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the load distribution on the undercarriage frame by switching between roll stabilization and independent suspension modes. During off-road driving or when navigating uneven terrain, deactivating the roll stabilization allows each wheel to independently absorb impacts, significantly reducing peak loads transmitted to the undercarriage frame while maintaining vehicle stability on paved surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables improved driving behavior by allowing manual or automatic deactivation of roll stabilization, reducing the risk of traction loss and chassis overload, and maintaining optimal suspension performance across various driving conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a roll stabilization device having a hydraulic connection between the piston chamber of the right strut and the annular chamber of the left strut, and a hydraulic connection between the piston chamber of the left strut and the annular chamber of the right strut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic connection: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3964370A1Mobile crane suspension system with deactivatable roll stabilization
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE
  • EP3964370A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3964370A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3964370A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydropneumatic mobile crane suspension system (1) comprising: - at least one left strut (2) assigned to the left side (L) of the chassis, with a piston chamber (2A) and an annular chamber (2B); - at least one right strut (3) assigned to the right side (R) of the chassis, with a piston chamber (3A) and an annular chamber (3B); - a roll stabilization device (4) comprising a hydraulic connection (4A) between the piston chamber (3A) of the right strut (3) and the annular chamber (2B) of the left strut (2), and a hydraulic connection (4B) between the piston chamber (2A) of the left strut (2) and the annular chamber (3B) of the right strut (3); and - a switching device (5) which selectively disconnects or releases the hydraulic connections (4A, 4B) provided by the roll stabilization device (4).