Cantilevered Excavator Pipe Layer Boom for Reach and Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for versatile construction equipment that combines the benefits of dedicated pipe layers with the flexibility of attachments, addressing the limitations of shorter booms in existing side-boom attachment pipe laying equipment, which limits reach and stability.

Innovation Solution

A pipe layer attachment for excavators, featuring a winch and a cantilevered pipe layer boom that extends beyond the excavator's boom, utilizing existing pin connections for easy retrofitting and enhanced reach and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a dedicated pipe layer with a long boom is used, then the reach and stability for pipe placement is improved, but the equipment cost and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboom lengthVSAvoidequipment versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling an excavator to perform both its original excavation functions and pipe layer functions through the attachable boom extension. The excavator can switch between digging operations and pipe placement operations by attaching or removing the boom extension, making one piece of equipment serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for separate dedicated pipe layer equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a side-boom attachment with a short boom is used, then the equipment versatility is improved, but the reach and stability for pipe placement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment versatilityVSAvoidboom length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the boom structure into a base boom (part of the excavator) and an extendable boom extension (attachable component). This segmented design allows the boom to be extended beyond the excavator's original boom length, providing increased reach for pipe placement while maintaining the versatility of an attachable configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a dedicated pipe layer with a long boom is used, then the stability for lifting heavy pipe sections is improved, but the ease of operation and maneuverability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the boom configuration changeable - the excavator can operate with a compact configuration for maneuverability during site preparation, then attach the boom extension when pipe placement stability and reach are needed. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the equipment to adapt its characteristics based on the specific operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12595637B2Pipe layer attachment for an excavator

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB

AI summary

A pipe layer attachment for an excavator includes a winch configured to wind and unwind a cable having a hook attached thereto. The pipe layer attachment also includes a pipe layer boom configured to mount onto a boom of the excavator as a cantilever with the pipe layer boom extending beyond an end of the boom. The pipe layer boom is configured to be connected to an arm attachment pin connection of the boom and an arm cylinder pin connection of the boom.