Crawler Traction Drive Interlock for Safe Carrier Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically driven work machines with crawler tracks face safety risks during the mounting and demounting of crawler carriers due to open high-voltage connections when supply lines are disconnected, posing a hazard to personnel.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical interlock loop connected to the traction drive and a mating plug connector module that bridges the interlock loop when supply lines are disconnected, ensuring safe operation by detecting interruptions and disconnecting the energy source, and providing a safe stowage option for open supply lines using the mating plug connector module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the supply line is disconnected from the traction drive for demounting the crawler carrier, then the crawler carrier can be detached for transport or self-assembly, but the open connection remains under high voltage posing a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mating plug connector module as an intermediary device that provides a safe connection point for the supply line when the crawler carrier is detached. This mediator allows the supply line to be connected to something other than the traction drive while maintaining electrical continuity and safety, resolving the contradiction between detachability and safety hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating plug connector module serves multiple functions: it provides a safe connection point for the supply line, maintains the interlock loop functionality, and enables both operational and transport modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both the detachability requirement and the safety requirement through a single integrated solution.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the supply line remains connected to the traction drive during transport, then high voltage safety is maintained, but the crawler carrier cannot be detached for transport or self-assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mating plug connector module acts as a safe intermediary that the supply line can connect to during transport. This mediator maintains electrical safety by providing a proper termination point for the high voltage connection, while allowing the crawler carrier to be physically detached for transport purposes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional safety devices are added to prevent high voltage exposure during detachment, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mating plug connector module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a safe connection point, maintains the interlock loop, and enables system operation in both assembled and detached states. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve safety improvements without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component handles multiple safety and operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a work machine, in particular a duty-cycle crawler crane, having an undercarriage which comprises a middle part and at least one crawler carrier which is connected to the middle part and comprises at least one electric traction drive, wherein at least one supply line runs from the middle part to the traction drive and is connected to the latter in a disconnectable manner via a first connection. According to the disclosure, the work machine comprises an electrical interlock loop, which is connected to the traction drive via the first connection, and a mating plug connector module, which is arranged on the undercarriage and has a first mating connection for connecting to the first connection of the supply line and is configured to bridge the interlock loop, which is interrupted by a disconnection from the traction drive, in a current-conducting manner.