Gimbal Screw Pile Mounting to Minimize Skew Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw-in devices for excavator booms suffer from high twisting torque and tilting moments during screw foundation installation, requiring skilled operator intervention to maintain desired installation direction.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal suspension system with intersecting pivot axes is used, where the screw foundation is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and pivotable about two intersecting pivot axes, one at the front end and one at the center of gravity of the rotary drive, minimizing torque and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot axis is located in the upper section of the rotating mechanism (far from center of gravity), then the rotating mechanism can pivot freely with maximum deflection of the excavator arm, but the screw foundation experiences high tilting moment and wobbles during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a second pivot axis that intersects the longitudinal axis of the screw foundation, creating a three-dimensional pivot system. This additional dimensional constraint (intersection point) stabilizes the screw foundation during installation while preserving the necessary pivot freedom through the gimbal-like configuration of the two pivot axes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the three pivot axes are arranged without intersection, then the screw foundation can be installed in any direction including horizontally, but skew torque arises causing deviation from desired installation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a self-correcting pivot system where the intersecting axes geometry inherently compensates for skew torque. The intersection of the second pivot axis with the longitudinal axis of the screw foundation provides a geometric constraint that automatically counteracts deviations, eliminating the need for operator skill-based compensation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the second pivot axis is positioned in the lower part of the rotary drive (near center of gravity), then skew torque is minimized, but the rotating mechanism has reduced pivot freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The second pivot axis positioned at the lower part of the rotary drive serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pivot axis for directional adjustment, a balancing axis that minimizes skew torque through intersection with the longitudinal axis, and a stabilizing element that reduces tilting moments. This multi-functional design achieves torque reduction without sacrificing pivot freedom.
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
The system allows for easy, stable, and precise screw foundation installation without skilled operator intervention, reducing skew torque and buckling risk, ensuring accurate alignment and reduced operational instability.
Implementation Method 1
the screw-in device (1) is designed as a gimbal suspension and comprises a rotary drive (4) for receiving the screw foundation (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a screwing-in device (1) for a screw foundation (2), attached to an excavator extension arm (3), the mounting of which device is designed as a gimbal suspension which receives the screw foundation (2) and has a rotary drive (4). The gimbal suspension is designed such that the screw foundation (2) can be rotated about its longitudinal axis (5) for screwing-in or screwing-out and can be pivoted about a first pivot axis (6) at the front end of the excavator extension arm (3). The first pivot axis (6) intersects the longitudinal axis (5). The gimbal suspension can be pivoted about a second pivot axis (7), which passes through the rotary drive (4) in the radial direction thereof. The second pivot axis (7) extends in the region of the centre of mass of the rotary drive (4) and has a common point of intersection (11) at least with the longitudinal axis (5) of the screw foundation (5).