Fluid Conveyance System for Rope Shovel Dipper Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rope shovels lack independent control over the orientation of the dipper relative to the handle during the hoist phase, limiting efficiency in material handling and conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conveyance system with a frame supporting a boom, an arm, and a rod slidably received within a cylinder, providing fluid communication throughout the range of movement, allowing for independent control of the attachment's fluid supply and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional rope shovel system is used with fixed dipper orientation, then the structure is simpler, but the material handling efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the control of dipper orientation from handle movement by introducing an independent rod-cylinder mechanism. This segmentation allows the dipper orientation to be controlled independently through fluid pressure applied to the rod, while the handle performs its standard translational and rotational movements, thereby improving material handling efficiency without overly complicating the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder with a rod that can extend and retract independently of the handle movement. Fluid pressure applied to the cylinder causes the rod to move, which in turn adjusts the dipper orientation independently. This hydraulic mechanism enables precise control of dipper orientation without requiring mechanical linkages that would increase system complexity
2Reliability
If fluid hoses are used to supply fluid to the attachment, then the system is simpler, but the hoses are prone to entanglement or snagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid conveyance function from flexible hoses and implements it through a rigid conduit system integrated into the rod-cylinder mechanism. The conduit is positioned within the internal bore of the cylinder and moves with the rod, eliminating the entanglement and snagging problems associated with external flexible hoses while maintaining reliable fluid supply to the attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is nested within the internal bore of the cylinder, with the rod moving inside the conduit as it extends and retracts. This nested arrangement protects the conduit from external damage and prevents entanglement, while the port positioned within the bore ensures continuous fluid communication throughout the entire range of rod movement
3Reliability
If the port is positioned at the end of the internal bore, then the structure is simpler, but fluid communication is lost during rod movement
Solution Approach 1:
The port is positioned within the internal bore at a location that remains stationary relative to the cylinder throughout the entire range of rod movement. This dynamic positioning ensures that as the rod extends and retracts, the port maintains continuous fluid communication between the internal bore and the passage, preventing any loss of fluid communication that would occur with end-positioned ports
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
Enables efficient fluid distribution to the attachment, enhancing the control and operation of the dipper during both extension and retraction phases, improving material handling and reducing the risk of fluid hose entanglement or snagging.
Implementation Method 1
The rod includes a port and a passage for providing fluid to the attachment. The port provides fluid communication between the internal bore and the passage and is positioned within the internal bore throughout the range of movement of the rod relative to the cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial machine includes a frame supporting a fluid source and a boom, an arm, an attachment coupled to the arm, a cylinder, and a rod. The arm is movably coupled to the boom for translational and rotational movement relative to the boom. The cylinder includes a first end and a second end, and the cylinder defines an internal bore in fluid communication with the fluid source. The rod is coupled to the arm and is slidably received within the cylinder. The rod includes a port and a passage for providing fluid to the attachment. The port provides fluid communication between the internal bore and the passage. The port is positioned within the internal bore throughout the entire range of movement of the rod relative to the cylinder.