Internal Line Routing for Boom Arm Processing Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Working machines with rigidly attached processing heads face issues of hose damage due to debris and collisions, as existing hose routing methods are prone to entanglement and obstruction, leading to inefficiencies and potential downtime.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with a boom tip attachment bracket and processing head attachment bracket that incorporates an internal line passage through rigid frames, providing protection and a clear path for flexible hoses, minimizing length and avoiding obstructive mechanical joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible lines are routed externally from boom to processing head, then articulation motion is allowed, but lines are vulnerable to debris, collisions, and entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lines are routed through an internal passage within the rigid frame structure of the attachment bracket, nesting the lines inside the protective frame. This shields the lines from external debris and collisions while maintaining the necessary motion freedom through the internal passage design.
2Reliability
If lines are kept clear of mechanical assemblies during articulation, then line damage is reduced, but line routing becomes complex and requires excessive flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment bracket is divided into a rigid frame structure and separate coupling points. The rigid frame provides a protected internal passage for the lines, while the coupling points handle the articulation motion. This segmentation allows simple, direct routing through the frame without complex external routing.
3Strength
If rigid frames are used for attachment brackets, then structural strength is improved, but internal passage space for lines is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is designed with localized openings and passages at specific locations where lines need to pass through. The frame maintains its overall rigidity and strength while creating dedicated internal pathways that provide sufficient space for the flexible lines to move freely during articulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) comprising a boom tip attachment bracket (108) on a boom (102) of a working machine, the boom (102) having an actuator (104) attached thereto and one or more flexible lines (106), a processing head attachment bracket (110) for rigidly attaching a processing head (112) to the boom (102) of the working machine, the processing head attachment bracket (110) having a line connection point (114) for connecting the one or more flexible lines (106), and an internal line passage (116) for passage of the one or more flexible lines (106) from the boom (102) to the line connection point (114). The boom tip attachment bracket comprises (108) a first rigid frame (118) having at least two plates (120a, 120b) spaced from each other by a first spacing distance (122) so as to comprise at least a portion of the internal line passage (116), and a pair of first coupling points (124a, 124b) opposed across the first spacing distance (122), for rotatably coupling the rigid frame (118) to the processing head (112) along a first rotation axis (126a). The processing head attachment bracket comprises a second rigid frame (128) having at least two plates (130a, 130b) spaced from each other by a second spacing distance (132) so as to comprise at least a portion of the internal line passage (116); and a pair of second coupling points (134a, 134b), opposed across the second spacing distance (132), and rotatably coupled with the pair of first coupling points (124a, 124b) along the first rotation axis (126a). The processing head attachment bracket (110) is coupled to the actuator (104) by a torque assembly (136) for translating actuation of the actuator (104) into a rotation of the processing head attachment bracket (110) about the first rotation axis (126a), and the internal line passage (116) passes through at least the first rotation axis (126a).