Excavator Ballast Device Segmented Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines, such as hydraulic excavators, face instability and unpredictability during lifting due to the lack of defined security for lifting points in cast ballast, which complicates the lifting process and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ballast device with aligned passages in the ballast weight and support, allowing for the use of coupling means to connect directly to the work machine's structure, eliminating the need for additional lifting devices like eye bars or beams, and enabling a simpler and safer lifting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cast ballast is used with shrink holes for lifting, then the ballast weight is achieved, but the lifting stability becomes unpredictable and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast device is segmented into separate components: the ballast weight and the ballast support with defined passages. This segmentation allows the support structure to provide reliable lifting points while the ballast weight maintains its manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast support acts as an intermediary component between the ballast weight and the work machine structure. It provides the defined passages for coupling means, serving as a mediator that ensures stable lifting without requiring modifications to the ballast weight itself.
2Reliability
If complex support structures are integrated into welded ballast, then lifting points are provided, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex support structure is extracted from the ballast weight itself and implemented as a separate ballast support component. This extraction simplifies the ballast weight design while providing reliable lifting points through the dedicated support structure with defined passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast support serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the ballast weight, integrates defined passages for coupling means, and connects to the work machine structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate lifting devices.
3Ease of operation
If additional lifting devices like eye bars or lifting beams are used, then lifting capability is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is merged into the ballast support structure itself through the integrated passages. This eliminates the need for separate lifting devices like eye bars or lifting beams, as the passages directly accommodate coupling means for lifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast support structure provides its own lifting capability through the defined passages, making the system self-sufficient. The structure serves itself by incorporating the necessary features for lifting without requiring additional external components.
4Ease of operation
If lifting points are provided in cast ballast, then lifting is enabled, but the unpredictability of shrink holes affects safety
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast support acts as an intermediary that provides defined passages for lifting, separating the lifting function from the cast ballast structure. This mediator ensures predictable and safe lifting points without relying on the unpredictable shrink holes in the cast ballast.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a work machine, in particular to a hydraulic excavator, having at least one ballast device, wherein the ballast device comprises at least one ballast weight and at least one ballast support. The present disclosure is furthermore directed to a ballast weight for a corresponding work machine.