Civil Engineering Machine Hose Reel Layout for Precise Implement Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Civil engineering machines with two hose reels face challenges in maintaining precise alignment and guidance of implements due to transverse and torsional forces caused by hose line angles relative to the carrier unit's longitudinal axis, particularly at deeper working depths, leading to wear and alignment issues.

Innovation Solution

The hose drums and cable winch are arranged centrally along the carrier unit's longitudinal axis, with the winch between the drums, allowing hose lines to be fed or rewound parallel to the axis, reducing transverse and torsional forces, and incorporating deflection rollers for central guidance, resulting in a compact design that minimizes space requirements and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hose reels are arranged next to each other on the superstructure, then the machine can supply fluid and material to working devices, but transverse forces and torsional moments act on the suspended implement causing alignment deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to supply fluid and materialVSAvoidalignment precision of implement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a lateral arrangement of hose reels (parallel to boom width) to a longitudinal arrangement (along the boom length). This dimensional repositioning changes the hose line entry angle from oblique/transverse to axial/longitudinal, eliminating transverse forces and torsional moments that cause alignment deviations in trench cutters and other precision implements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric placement of the two hose reels at different longitudinal positions on the boom (one closer to the superstructure, one farther away). This asymmetric arrangement allows both hose lines to converge toward the centerline of the boom, minimizing transverse forces while maintaining balanced fluid and material supply capabilities to the working device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Length of moving object

If large hose reels are used for working depths of 20 meters and more, then required hose lengths can be provided, but the outer diameter of hose reels increases to several meters occupying significant space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehose line lengthVSAvoidspace occupied by hose reels
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the hose reels within the existing boom structure rather than placing them as external protruding components. By integrating the hose reels into the boom's longitudinal space and utilizing the boom's internal volume, the design achieves the required hose lengths without significantly increasing the machine's external footprint or requiring additional lateral space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the space conflict by arranging hose reels along the longitudinal dimension of the boom rather than expanding them laterally. This allows the machine to achieve deep working capabilities (20+ meters) through extended hose length without increasing the transverse dimensions or overall width of the machine, maintaining compactness while providing sufficient hose length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If hose reels are arranged laterally to provide hose length, then hose can reach working depths, but entry angle of hose line relative to longitudinal axis increases making guidance difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehose line lengthVSAvoidguidance of implement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions hose reels from lateral placement to longitudinal placement along the boom axis. This dimensional change reduces the entry angle of hose lines relative to the longitudinal axis from oblique angles to near-zero angles, dramatically improving the ease of guiding and aligning the implement while maintaining the required hose length for deep working operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration enables efficient, gentle unwinding and reeling of hose lines, reduces implement deviation, and minimizes wear, allowing for precise guidance and operation in limited spaces with reduced transverse and torsional forces.

Implementation Method 1

a cable winch on the carrier unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

a rotatable first hose reel with a first hose line which is led from the first hose reel to the working device, and a rotatable second hose reel with a second hose line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational Motion:

Data Source

PatentEP4269699B1Machine for use in civil engineering
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 BAUER MASCH GMBH
  • EP4269699B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4269699B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4269699B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a civil engineering machine with a mobile carrier unit comprising an undercarriage designed as a chassis, an upper carriage arranged thereon, and a boom which is pivotably mounted about a horizontal pivot axis, a work device for civil engineering which is vertically adjustable and suspended from the boom by means of a support cable, wherein the support cable can be actuated by means of a winch on the carrier unit, a rotatable first hose drum with a first hose line which is led from the first hose drum to the work device, and a rotatable second hose drum with a second hose line which is led from the second hose drum to the work device.According to the invention, the two hose drums and the winch are arranged centrally along a longitudinal axis of the support unit, and the winch for the support cable is arranged longitudinally between the first hose drum and the second hose drum.