Hydraulic Rotary Drive Encoder Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting the rotational position of rotary drives in load handling devices, such as those used in cranes, is challenging due to the need for visual inspection or free access, which can hinder assembly and operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rotary encoder within the shaft or shaft bearing of the hydraulic rotary drive to detect the rotational position, along with a sliding contacting device for power and signal transmission, allowing for precise and protected positioning of the encoder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rotary encoder is mounted externally on the shaft or shaft bearing, then the rotational position can be detected, but the encoder is exposed to external mechanical impact and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational position detectionVSAvoidexternal mechanical impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary encoder is nested within a recess in the shaft or shaft bearing, placing it inside the protective structure rather than mounting it externally. This nesting approach allows the encoder to detect rotational position while being shielded from external mechanical impacts and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the rotary encoder is positioned outside the shaft structure, then access and installation are easier, but the design becomes less compact and more vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder installationVSAvoidoverall structure compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the encoder in a straightforward external location or简单地 placing it on the surface, the invention utilizes a recess dimension within the shaft or shaft bearing structure. This dimensional approach integrates the encoder into the existing structure, achieving compactness while maintaining accessibility for installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If visual inspection is used to determine drive position, then no additional sensors are needed, but clear view and access are required which hinders assembly and operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor systemVSAvoidassembly and operation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated rotary encoder sensor system. The encoder automatically detects and reports the rotational position of the shaft, eliminating the need for operators to visually inspect the drive position, thereby removing the requirement for clear views and access during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3388385B1Rotation drive

Publication Date: 2021.09.08 EPSILON KRAN

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AI summary

Hydraulic rotary drive (1) for rotating a load-handling device (2) relative to a crane arm (3), comprising: - a shaft (4) having first fastening means (5) for connecting the shaft (4) to the load-handling device (2) or the crane arm (3), - a shaft bearing (18) having second fastening means (6) for connecting the shaft bearing (18) to the crane arm (3) or the load-handling device (2), - vanes (7) arranged in the shaft (4) which can be supplied with oil via an oil supply and an oil discharge to transmit a torque to the shaft (4), wherein the rotary drive (1) has a rotary encoder (8) for detecting the rotational position of the shaft (4) relative to the shaft bearing (18).