Fork-like Boom Structure for Work Machine Visibility and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boom structures on work machines often compromise operator visibility, stability, and reach due to their placement, either limiting visibility when placed in front or laterally to the cabin, or reducing reach when placed behind, while also affecting the machine's stability and transport constraints.
Innovation Solution
A fork-like boom structure with two branches and a main boom structure allows the cabin to be positioned between the branches, maximizing cabin height, improving visibility, stability, and symmetry, and enabling free movement without relocating the machine, by arranging the boom branches on opposite sides of the cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the boom structure is placed in front of the cabin, then the boom structure can be positioned between the cabin and the working area, but the operator's visibility over the working area is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure is divided into two separate boom branches (first boom branch and second boom branch) that extend laterally to opposite sides of the cabin. This segmentation allows the cabin to remain centrally positioned between the branches, preserving unobstructed visibility to the front while still providing the necessary boom functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom structure transitions from a conventional front-placed single boom to a laterally extended fork-like configuration. By distributing the boom branches in the lateral dimension rather than concentrating them in front of the cabin, the design achieves both good visibility and effective boom reach.
2Loss of information
If the boom structure is placed laterally to the cabin, then visibility is improved, but the reach of the boom structure to the opposite side of the cabin is limited and stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure employs a symmetrical fork-like configuration with branches extending to opposite sides of the cabin, creating balanced lateral distribution of mass and forces. This symmetry improves stability compared to asymmetric lateral placement while maintaining visibility benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork-like structure with branches on opposite sides acts as a counterbalancing system, where the lateral extension of branches provides stability through distributed weight and moment arms, preventing the cabin from tipping during operation.
3Loss of information
If the boom structure is placed behind the cabin, then visibility in the working direction is not disturbed, but the reach in the actual working direction is lost and the rear overhang becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure extends laterally in the horizontal dimension rather than rearward in the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional change allows the boom branches to reach sideways to the working area without creating rear overhang, while the main boom structure still provides forward reach capability.
4Ease of operation
If the cabin height is increased to improve operator comfort, then the boom structure may interfere with the cabin when placed above it in transport position
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure is segmented into lateral branches rather than a single vertical boom above the cabin. This segmentation allows the cabin to be positioned between the branches at full height without interference, as the branches extend sideways rather than vertically over the cabin.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a boom structure (2) on a work machine (1). The boom structure (2) comprises at least two boom branches (2a, 2b) and a main boom structure (2c) extending from their convergence area (4) substantially in a working direction. Thus the boom structure (2) provides a fork-like structure.