Concrete Placement Boom End Hose Control for Straight-Line TCP Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control methods for the movement of an end hose on a concrete placing boom are complex, requiring experienced operators and do not allow straightforward alignment at the Tool Center Point (TCP), complicating the control process.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a display device at the end hose that indicates a predefined direction of movement, allowing operators to set the speed and direction independently of the boom's position, converting these inputs into control signals for the boom's joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional control methods are used for end hose movement, then the system can operate with existing control mechanisms, but the control process becomes complex and requires experienced operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontrol process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A display device is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the complex boom control system. The display device shows simplified visual information about the end hose position and movement direction, translating complex mechanical states into intuitive visual representations that guide less experienced operators through the control process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with an electronic control system that processes operator inputs through a microprocessor. This electronic system automatically calculates boom joint commands based on simplified user inputs, eliminating the need for operators to manually coordinate multiple mechanical controls

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the end hose is controlled along a straight line not intersecting the slewing mechanism, then precise positioning is achieved, but it requires superimposing several movements and experienced operator skill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device provides real-time visual feedback to the operator about the end hose position, movement direction, and boom configuration. This feedback loop allows less experienced operators to intuitively control precise positioning by observing the visual representation and adjusting their inputs accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system segments the complex end hose positioning task into simpler visual and control elements. The display device breaks down the three-dimensional boom configuration into simplified visual representations, and the control system handles the complex motion calculation separately from the operator's simple directional inputs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If autonomous control sequences are used to move the boom quickly, then productivity increases, but legal regulations impose limitations on calculation speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboom movement speedVSAvoidcompliance with speed regulations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts boom movement parameters based on real-time conditions and regulatory constraints. The microprocessor continuously calculates optimal movement paths while respecting maximum speed limits, allowing the system to operate at high productivity levels within legal frameworks by adapting speed parameters to current boom position and configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4025749B1Method, control device, system, concrete placement boom and computer program for controlling the movement of an end tube
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 PUTZMEISTER ENG GMBH
  • EP4025749B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4025749B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4025749B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the movement of an end hose (12) arranged on a concrete placement boom (10) of a concrete pump (1) with a display device (20) arranged in the region of the end hose (12) by means of a control device (50), comprising the following steps: outputting a signal for displaying a predefined movement direction to the display device (20); receiving a predefined speed for moving the end hose (12) from an actuation device (30); and calculating and outputting control signals for controlling the concrete placement boom (10) in such a way that the end hose (12) is moved in the predefined movement direction at the predefined speed. The invention also relates to a corresponding control device (50), a system, a concrete placement boom and a computer program for controlling the movement of an end hose (12) arranged on a concrete placement boom (10) of a concrete pump.