Excavator Boom Range Extension via Link Plate and Adjustment Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hoe-equipped excavators have limited range, requiring excessive movement of the superstructure, which increases time and costs due to the inability to efficiently transition between extreme depth and height positions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a boom link plate, lift cylinder, and adjustment cylinder allows the boom to pivot through a greater circumferential range, enabling increased versatility and reduced superstructure movement by facilitating extended reach and depth capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional boom structure with a single lift cylinder is used, then the structure is simple, but the circumferential range of the boom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure is segmented by introducing a boom link plate that divides the boom into multiple sections. This segmentation allows the boom to pivot through a greater circumferential range by enabling independent movement of each section, thereby increasing adaptability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire boom system.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom structure is made dynamic by adding the adjustment cylinder that can vary the angle between boom sections. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the boom to adapt its configuration to achieve extended circumferential range, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable system that optimizes performance for different operating conditions.
2Productivity
If the excavator operates between extreme depth and height positions with limited boom range, then the device complexity remains low, but excessive superstructure movement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment cylinder pre-positions the boom link plate to optimize the boom angle before the lift cylinder operates. This preliminary action prepares the boom configuration for the intended operation, allowing the excavator to transition between extreme depth and height positions more efficiently by reducing the need for excessive superstructure movement and enabling more direct positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a boom link plate and adjustment cylinder are added to extend boom range, then the circumferential range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom link plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connector between boom sections, a pivot point for extended rotation, and a mounting surface for the adjustment cylinder. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended circumferential range while minimizing the number of additional components required, as each new element performs multiple roles within the system.
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 configuration enhances the excavator's range, reducing the need for extensive superstructure movement, thereby saving time and money by allowing efficient operation across a broader range of positions.
Implementation Method 1
a lift cylinder coupled between the base and the boom link plate... The lift cylinder is operable to pivot the boom
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment cylinder coupled between the boom link plate and the boom... the adjustment cylinder is operable to pivot the boom beyond the first circumferential range
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a hoe equipped excavator includes a base, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the base, a stick pivotally coupled at one end to the other end of the boom, a tool pivotally coupled to the other end of the stick, a boom link plate pivotally coupled to the boom, a lift cylinder coupled between the base and the boom link plate and an adjustment cylinder coupled between the boom link plate and the boom. The lift cylinder is operable to pivot the boom through a first circumferential range, and the adjustment cylinder is operable to pivot the boom beyond the first circumferential range.