Lifting Equipment Horizontal Actuators Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load lifting equipment for land vehicles, such as trucks and tractors, is cumbersome and restricts the vehicle's capacity due to the weight and size of the crane base and hydraulic systems, which limits the use of onboard space and loading capacity.
Innovation Solution
A load lifting equipment with a vertically oriented crane-carrying column that is hinged to a base frame, utilizing two horizontal actuators of the rack and pinion or wormscrew type to rotate the column, allowing for a more uniform distribution of forces and reduced overall dimensions, thereby enhancing space utilization and load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional crane base with overhanging column is used, then the crane can be supported and operated, but the base becomes very heavy and large, reducing vehicle loading capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement by positioning actuators vertically stacked (one above the other) rather than horizontally adjacent, and by relocating the column support point to the upper part of the base frame rather than the center. This dimensional reorganization reduces the horizontal footprint and allows more compact configuration, resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient structural strength and minimizing base weight and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic support system where the column can rotate around its own axis and the actuators can adjust their positions. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to different operational requirements, providing strength only where and when needed, rather than requiring a permanently oversized heavy base for all possible configurations.
2Ease of operation
If a single large hydraulic cylinder is used to rotate the column, then the column can be operated, but the equipment becomes very cumbersome and reduces body capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single large hydraulic cylinder into multiple smaller actuators (at least two, preferably three) that work together to rotate the column. Each actuator handles a portion of the rotational task, allowing them to be more compact individually while collectively achieving the same operational capability. This segmentation reduces the overall volume and removes the cumbersomeness of a single large cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple smaller actuators into a coordinated system that functions as a unified rotation mechanism. By combining the output of several compact actuators, the system achieves the rotational capability previously requiring one large cylinder, but with reduced overall volume and improved spatial efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If two hydraulic cylinders are arranged on opposite sides of the pinion, then the column can rotate, but the overall width increases, restricting body size and capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the actuators from a horizontal arrangement (side-by-side on opposite sides of the pinion) to a vertical arrangement (stacked one above the other). This dimensional change moves the actuators from occupying horizontal space to occupying vertical space, thereby reducing the equipment's width footprint while maintaining the column rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic coordination system where multiple actuators can operate independently or in combination, allowing flexible control of column rotation. This dynamic arrangement enables the system to achieve rotational movement with a more compact spatial configuration, reducing the required width while maintaining full operational capability.
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 significantly reduces the equipment's weight and dimensions, allowing for full exploitation of onboard space and maintaining the vehicle's load capacity, providing a practical, rational, and cost-effective solution to the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said actuators being of the rack and pinion or wormscrew type
Implementation Method 2
at least one of said actuators being of the rack and pinion or wormscrew type
Implementation Method 3
at least a first actuator arranged substantially horizontal and associated with first transformation means
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 3~5
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The equipment for lifting loads on land vehicles, particularly trucks, tractors, agricultural prime movers, trailers and the like comprises at least a base frame (2) associable with the chassis (3) of a vehicle (4), at least a crane-carrying column (5), substantially vertical, associated with the base frame (2) in a way rotating around its own axis, at least a crane (6) for lifting loads associated with the column (5), at least a hinging system (16) for hinging the column (5) to the base frame (2) substantially arranged at the upper extremity of the column (5) and means for operating in rotation (15) the column (5) around its own axis which comprise at least a first actuator (17) arranged substantially horizontal and associated with first transformation means (18) for transforming the movement of the first actuator (17) into the rotary movement of the column (5), and at least a second actuator (19) arranged substantially horizontal and associated with second transformation means (20) for transforming the movement of the second actuator (19) into the rotary movement of the column (5), the first actuator (17) and the second actuator (19) being arranged substantially parallel one above the other and at least one of such actuators (17, 19) being of the rack and pinion or wormscrew type.