Hydraulic Divided Clamp for Working Machine Jointing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upper/lower part joining devices for working machines, such as cranes, face operational challenges due to the complexity of bolt-based fixation mechanisms in narrow spaces, which complicates joint and release operations and is prone to fluid leaks leading to unintended separation.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped clamp device with four divided clamps, connected through first and second connection members, utilizes extension/contraction means and position regulation mechanisms to simplify the joint and release operations, ensuring secure attachment even with fluid leaks by forming predetermined spaces and using manual operation devices for enhanced operationality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts are used as fixation means to join divided clamps, then joint strength is improved, but operational complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bolt fastening system with a hydraulic connection system. The divided clamps are connected via hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic lines, allowing the clamps to be joined and separated through hydraulic pressure rather than manual bolting. This substitution maintains joint strength through hydraulic force while dramatically improving ease of operation, as the clamps can be quickly connected and disconnected by operating hydraulic controls instead of manually fastening and unfastening multiple bolts in narrow spaces
2Reliability
If divided clamps are joined with bolts to increase joint strength, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixation function with the hydraulic connection system. Instead of having separate bolts for fixation and hydraulic cylinders for movement, the hydraulic connection serves both purposes: it provides the force to move the clamps and simultaneously acts as the fixation mechanism when pressurized. This merging eliminates the need for separate bolt assemblies, reducing device complexity while maintaining joint reliability through the hydraulic pressure system
3Ease of operation
If fluid pressure cylinders are used to move divided clamps, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fluid leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates backup hydraulic lines and redundant connection mechanisms to cushion against the harmful effect of fluid leaks. The hydraulic system is designed with alternative fluid pathways and sealing arrangements that can compensate for potential leaks, ensuring that a single leak does not cause complete system failure. This beforehand cushioning maintains reliability while preserving the ease of operation provided by hydraulic actuation
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 solution simplifies the device by reducing the number of extension/contraction means, enhances operational ease, and ensures secure joint maintenance by preventing unintended release due to fluid leaks, thereby improving operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure cylinders for moving the divided clamp to a joint position where the divided clamps come close each other to sandwich flange parts
Implementation Method 2
position regulation means for regulating return of the divided clamps to the separation positions
Data Source
AI summary
At an inner circumference side of a lower ring and an upper ring, flange pars are formed respectively, and a ring-shaped clamp device is arranged at the inner circumference side, and separated at four points, into a front side, back side, left side, and right side, and divided into four divided clamps. At the separation points of front and back sides, the left and right divided clamps are rotatably connected with each other, and at the separation points of left and right sides, the front and back divided clamps are connected to cylinders respectively. By the extension/contraction operation, the front and back clamps move between joint and separation positions, and if the front and back clamps position at the joint points, predetermined spaces are formed between the divided clamps. Lock blocks to be inserted into the spaces for regulating return of the divided clamps to the separation positions are provided.