Fluid Conveyance System for Rope Shovel with Independent Reel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rope shovels lack independent control over the orientation of the dipper relative to the handle during the hoist phase, leading to inefficiencies in material handling and fluid conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conveyance system with a frame supporting a boom, an elongated member, and a conduit system including a first and second reel, allowing for independent movement and fluid communication between the frame and attachment, enabling controlled reeling and payout of the conduit to manage fluid supply and tension effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional rope shovel uses a fixed orientation dipper coupled to the handle, then the structure is simple, but the dipper cannot be controlled independently during the hoist phase
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system is divided into multiple segments (first conduit portion, second conduit portion) that can be independently managed by separate reels. This segmentation allows the dipper to be controlled independently during the hoist phase while maintaining fluid communication, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the boom and the dipper, enabling independent orientation control of the dipper while maintaining the fluid conduit connection. The reel allows the conduit to accommodate the relative movement between the dipper and boom without compromising the fluid communication path.
2Reliability
If the conduit is rigidly fixed between frame and attachment, then fluid communication is stable, but tension and slack issues occur during boom movement
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic configuration where the conduit can move relative to the boom through the reel mechanism. This dynamic arrangement allows the conduit to accommodate boom movement while maintaining fluid communication, eliminating tension and slack issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is designed as a flexible element that can bend and move relative to the boom while maintaining fluid communication. This flexibility allows the conduit to adapt to the dynamic movement of the boom and dipper without creating tension or slack, ensuring reliable fluid delivery.
3Productivity
If the dipper orientation is fixed relative to the handle, then the mechanism is simple, but material handling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system is segmented into multiple portions that can be independently controlled by separate reels, enabling the dipper to be oriented independently for optimal material handling positions while maintaining fluid communication. This segmentation provides the complexity needed for improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel mechanism serves multiple functions: it manages the conduit, enables independent dipper orientation, and maintains fluid communication simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve improved material handling efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial machine includes a frame supporting a boom, an elongated member movably coupled to the boom, an attachment, a conduit, and a reel supporting at least a portion of the conduit. The boom includes a first end coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end. The elongated member is movably coupled to the boom and includes a first end and a second end. The attachment is coupled to the second end of the elongated member. The conduit extends between the frame and the attachment. The reel is rotatably supported on a support shaft. The reel rotates about an axis of rotation to reel in and pay out the conduit as the elongated member moves relative to the boom.