Earth Working Machine Actuator Axial Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earth working machines face challenges in quickly and easily replacing the working apparatus without incurring significant installation moment loads on the drive configuration, leading to complex and labor-intensive installation processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an actuator on the drive configuration that can move the working apparatus from a preparation position to the operating position, reducing or eliminating installation moment loads by shortening the load arm and allowing efficient force application to bring the working apparatus closer to its operational position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the working apparatus is manually positioned and installed on the drive configuration, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time increases and labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system enables the working apparatus to be positioned and installed automatically without manual intervention. The actuator member, which is part of the drive configuration, autonomously conveys the working apparatus from preparation position to operating position, making the installation process self-service and eliminating the need for manual positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning operations are replaced by an automated actuator mechanism. The actuator uses controlled mechanical movement (likely hydraulic or electric) to convey the working apparatus axially from preparation to operating position, substituting manual labor with an automated mechanical system that reduces both time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the actuator is positioned far from the working apparatus during installation, then easier access is achieved, but installation moment loads increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation moment load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator member is designed to move dynamically between different positions during the installation process. It can extend to reach the working apparatus when needed, then retract to a position that minimizes moment loads on the drive configuration. This dynamic positioning allows the actuator to maintain both accessibility and mechanical advantage throughout the installation sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator performs preliminary positioning actions before final installation. It first conveys the working apparatus axially to the preparation position where alignment can be achieved, then makes final adjustments to bring it into the operating position. This staged approach allows the actuator to work from advantageous positions that reduce moment loads while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach simplifies the installation process by reducing tilting and moment loads, enabling quicker and more efficient positioning of the working apparatus, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic piston/cylinder units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10724186B2Earth working machine whose rotatable working apparatus, for installation on the machine, is conveyable into its operating position using an onboard actuator
Publication Date: 2020.07.28 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • US10724186B2 patent drawing
  • US10724186B2 patent drawing
  • US10724186B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An earth working machine (10) includes a machine body (13) having a machine frame (12) and a drive configuration (46), rotationally drivable relative to the machine frame (12) around a drive axis (A), to which configuration a working apparatus (32) embodied for earth working is releasably connected in torque-transferring fashion, in an operating position operational for earth working, for rotation together around the drive axis (A), such that when the connection is released, the working apparatus (32) is removable from the operating position in an axial direction relative to the drive configuration (46) for deinstallation from the drive configuration (46) and, for installation on the drive configuration, is conveyable into the operating position in an axial direction relative to the drive configuration (46).