Levelling Assembly for Drill Machine Operator Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface mining drill machines operating on inclined surfaces require operators to sit in an inclined position for extended periods, and existing swivel systems are limited in rotation due to hydraulic hose entanglement, restricting movement and increasing machine height and size.
Innovation Solution
A levelling assembly with fluid actuators and a swivel system that allows 360-degree rotation of the upper carriage assembly, maintaining a horizontal position and reducing hose entanglement by independent rotation of swivel portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional swivel system with hydraulic hoses is used to rotate the upper carriage assembly, then the system can facilitate swing and rotation, but the hoses get intertwined when rotating more than a few degrees, restricting the rotation to up to 270 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic hoses from the rotating swivel system by positioning them outside the rotation path on the undercarriage assembly. The hoses remain stationary while the upper carriage assembly rotates around them, eliminating hose entanglement and enabling full 360-degree rotation without restriction.
2Ease of operation
If levelling mechanisms and swivel systems are combined in drill machines, then the machine can operate on inclined surfaces with operator levelling, but the combination results in increased height and size of the drill machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the levelling mechanism and swivel system into a single integrated assembly where the swivel system is positioned within the levelling assembly structure. This consolidation allows both functions to share common structural elements and mounting points, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall machine height and size.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the upper carriage assembly is tilted when the undercarriage assembly is tilted on an inclined surface, then the machine can maintain stability on the slope, but the operator must sit in an inclined position for extended periods which is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the machine into two independent rotational systems: the undercarriage assembly that tilts with the terrain to maintain stability, and the upper carriage assembly that can be independently levelled to a horizontal position for operator comfort. The levelling assembly with fluid actuators enables the upper carriage to counteract the undercarriage tilt, allowing the operator to sit horizontally even when the undercarriage is on an inclined surface.
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
Enables operators to maintain a comfortable position during operations on uneven surfaces and facilitates full 360-degree rotation without hose entanglement, reducing machine height and size while maintaining balance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of fluid actuators for movably coupling first side of the levelling body with the first track roller frame and a second pair of fluid actuators for movably coupling the second side of the levelling body with the second track roller frame
Data Source
AI summary
A levelling assembly is provided, for levelling an upper carriage assembly of a machine with respect to an undercarriage assembly having a first track roller frame and the second track roller frame. A levelling body is rotatably coupled to the first track roller frame and the second track roller frame and defines a first side and a second side laterally opposite to the first side. The levelling assembly includes a first pair of fluid actuators for movably coupling first side of the levelling body with the first track roller frame and a second pair of fluid actuators for movably coupling second side of the levelling body with the second track roller frame. The first and the second pair of fluid actuators move the levelling body between a fore tilted position and an aft tilted position relative to the first and the second track roller frames.