Hinged Arch Locking Mechanism for Concrete Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thick matter conveying devices, such as concrete pumps, have complex structures with separate locking mechanisms for folding and rotating movements of the folding arch, leading to economic disadvantages and safety risks due to quick wear and potential injury.

Innovation Solution

A folding arch mechanism that integrates both rotational and pivoting movements into a single locking component, reducing the number of components and complexity, and utilizing a frictional connection and toggle lock for secure self-locking, allowing for easier access and reduced costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate locking mechanisms are used for folding and rotating movements, then each movement can be securely locked, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidnumber of locking mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking device that simultaneously locks both the folding movement (about the pivot axis) and the rotating movement (about the rotation axis). The locking device includes a locking element that can engage with locking surfaces on both the folding arch and the holder, achieving dual locking function with one mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple locking functions. It can lock the folding arch in its folded position and also lock the holder in its rotated position, making a single device serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate locking mechanisms are used for folding and rotating movements, then each movement can be independently controlled, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate locking mechanisms into one integrated device, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This single locking device controls both folding and rotating movements, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining operational independence through its design that allows sequential or independent engagement of the two locking functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple locking mechanisms are used, then each movement can be securely locked, but the wear and potential injury risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidwear and injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms into a single locking device with fewer moving parts and locking elements. By reducing the number of separate locking mechanisms from two to one, the patent minimizes the number of contact surfaces subject to wear and the number of potential failure points, thereby reducing both wear and injury risk while maintaining secure locking of both movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a common locking mechanism is used for both movements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control each movement may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of locking mechanismsVSAvoidindependent control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated locking device is designed with separate locking elements or engagement points for the folding arch and the holder, allowing each movement to be locked independently. The device can engage the folding arch first, then engage the holder, or vice versa, providing independent control while maintaining a single unified locking mechanism that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated locking mechanism simplifies operations, reduces wear, and enhances safety by eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms, resulting in a more cost-effective and user-friendly thick matter conveying device.

Implementation Method 1

The rotational movement is locked via a frictional connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the locking mechanism comprises a toggle lock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4012179B1Hinged elbow and sealant conveying device with hinged elbow
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 LIEBHERR MISCHTECHN
  • EP4012179B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4012179B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4012179B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a viscous material conveying device (10), in particular for conveying concrete, comprising at least one conveying cylinder by means of which viscous material can be conveyed from a viscous material collection container (12) into a conveying line (14). The conveying line includes a pivotable hinged arch (20) which is mounted externally on a rear wall (16) of the viscous material collection container and, in the folded or closed state, covers a conveying opening formed in the rear wall. According to the invention, the hinged arch is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation (18) and pivotable about a pivot axis (19) spaced apart from the axis of rotation and can be locked against both rotational and pivotal movements simultaneously by means of a common locking mechanism. The invention further relates to a hinged arch for a viscous material conveying device according to the invention.