Excavator Arm Motor Positioning for Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing excavator arms have electric motors located on the outer region, making them vulnerable to impact and requiring bulky protective casings that increase weight and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The electric motor is positioned between the frame plane and actuator plane, with a compact and lightweight design that includes a reversible mechanical linear actuator and a gearbox, allowing for protection from impacts while maintaining strength and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electric motor is located on the outer region of the excavator arm, then the motor is more accessible and easier to install, but the motor becomes vulnerable to impact against external objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor accessibilityVSAvoidmotor protection from impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor is repositioned from the outer region to the inner region of the excavator arm, specifically arranged on the side of the frame plane with respect to the actuator plane. This spatial reconfiguration places the motor within the structural framework where it is protected by the arm's own structure, eliminating the need for additional protective casings while maintaining accessibility for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a bulky protective casing is added to protect the electric motor, then the motor is protected from impact, but the overall footprint and weight of the excavator arm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor protection from impactVSAvoidexcavator arm weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is extracted from a separate bulky casing and integrated into the excavator arm's own structural framework. The motor is positioned within the frame plane where the arm's structure itself provides protection, eliminating the need for additional protective enclosures and thereby reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function is merged with the structural framework of the excavator arm. The motor is arranged within the frame plane, utilizing the existing structural elements for protection rather than adding separate protective components, thus combining structural support and protection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a bulky protective casing is added to protect the electric motor, then the motor is protected from impact, but the electricity consumption for operating the excavator increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor protection from impactVSAvoidelectricity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the electric motor is positioned between the frame plane and actuator plane, then the motor is protected from impact and the design is compact, but the space for motor arrangement is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor protection from impactVSAvoidmotor arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor is arranged in a previously underutilized spatial zone between the frame plane and actuator plane. This three-dimensional positioning utilizes available space within the structural framework, achieving compact integration while maintaining protection and accessibility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution protects the electric motor from impacts, reduces the excavator arm's weight and footprint, and enables precise positioning with equal force exertion during pushing and pulling, while minimizing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor configured to drive said arm linear actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a reversible mechanical linear actuator... has the ability to recover energy when load is driving the movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through reversible actuation: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10519622B2Excavator arm, excavator cantilever member including such an excavator arm and excavator including such an excavator cantilever member

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB

AI summary

An excavator arm includes at least: a frame including i) a boom linkage part to swingably link excavator arm to an excavator boom about a boom axis, and ii) a tool linkage part to swingably link the excavator arm to a tool about a tool axis, the boom axis and the tool axis extending in a frame plane, an arm linear actuator extending along a longitudinal axis, the arm linear actuator having i) a proximal linkage pan linked to the frame about a proximal linkage axis and ii) a distal linkage part linked to the frame about a distal linkage axis, the proximal linkage axis and the distal linkage axis extending in an actuator plane, and an electric motor configured to drive the arm linear actuator. Electric motor is arranged between the frame plane and the actuator plane.