Levelling Device for Turntable Ladder with Inclined Turntables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing levelling devices for turntable ladders are not suitable for heavy, telescopic ladders due to high weight, complex and costly constructions, and inefficient force transmission, which makes them unsuitable for large and heavy superstructures.

Innovation Solution

A levelling device with a wedge-shaped base and a superstructure mounted on a second turntable inclined relative to the first, using a simplified push rod system and hydraulic telescopic cylinders for pivot and rotary drives, allowing for efficient compensation of inclinations and maintaining the plane of erection vertical with a control unit and sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a conventional levelling device with multiple turntables and complex drive connections is used, then the plane of erection can be kept vertical, but the device weight increases and it becomes unsuitable for heavy telescopic ladders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical plane maintenanceVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into a first base part and a second base part that can rotate independently relative to each other on the understructure. This segmentation allows each part to handle specific functions, reducing the overall complexity and weight while maintaining the ability to keep the plane of erection vertical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second base part is equipped with a tilt mechanism that allows it to tilt relative to the first base part. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to compensate for slope inclinations without requiring a complex multi-turntable structure, thereby reducing weight while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a multi-part base with multiple turntables is used for levelling, then the plane of erection remains vertical, but the construction becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical plane maintenanceVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The levelling function and the rotation function are merged into a single base structure with two rotatable parts. The first base part rotates on the understructure while the second base part tilts relative to the first, combining multiple functions into one integrated system rather than using separate turntables for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilt mechanism allows the second base part to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the first base part, providing the necessary levelling capability without requiring a fixed complex multi-turntable structure. This dynamic adjustment simplifies the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a heavy-duty levelling system with multiple drive connections is used, then heavy ladders can be supported, but the force transmission relationships become unfavourable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capacityVSAvoidforce transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is segmented into two rotatable parts, allowing the force transmission path to be divided and optimized. Each part can be designed with appropriate structural characteristics to handle the forces generated during ladder operation, improving force transmission efficiency while maintaining the ability to support heavy ladders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables the levelling device to absorb larger forces with lower weight and cost, providing high stability and efficient force transmission, allowing for smooth rotation and vertical plane maintenance even on slopes.

Implementation Method 1

the base itself has an approximately wedge-shaped cross-section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic telescopic cylinders for pivot and rotary drives

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2177709B1Turntable ladder set with a levelling device for the rotatable superstructure
Publication Date: 2011.06.01 IVECO MAGIRUS AG
  • EP2177709B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2177709B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2177709B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Levelling device (10) for a turntable ladder, a boom or similar, with a multi-part rotating frame, one part of which is formed by a base (14), which is mounted on an understructure by means of a first turntable (20), which can be rotated around an upright axis by means of a rotary drive (26) attached to the understructure, and a further part formed by a superstructure (12) supporting the ladder or similar, which is connected with base (14) in such a manner that it can be pivoted around a connecting axis which is inclined relative to the upright axis, said superstructure (12) being pivotable relative to base (14) by means of a pivot drive, characterised in that base (14) has an approximately wedge-shaped cross-section, and in that superstructure (12) is mounted on base (14) by means of a second turntable (32), which lies in a plane (E1) that is inclined relative to the first turntable (20).