Loader Boom Uplock Helical Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom uplock devices for loaders are difficult to operate, require significant force, and are not reliable in harsh conditions due to dirt accumulation, posing a risk of accidental boom lowering during maintenance or service.
Innovation Solution
A boom uplock device featuring an elongated cylindrical locking pin with a helical guiding groove and a steering piece, allowing easy operation with minimal force and resistance to dirt, ensuring the boom remains securely elevated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking pins are used, then the boom can be secured in an elevated position, but significant force is required to operate the locking device
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin incorporates a helical groove that converts rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the operator to engage or disengage the lock by rotating a handle rather than applying direct linear force. This curved path mechanism reduces the effort required to operate the locking device while maintaining secure boom positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transforms the operating force from a direct linear push/pull action into a rotational action around the pin's axis. By adding this dimensional change from linear to rotational motion, the operator can more easily engage and disengage the lock using hand torque rather than significant linear force.
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the boom can be uplocked, but dirt accumulation blocks the movement of locking devices in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to move completely outside the housing through the front opening, rather than sliding within enclosed channels. This extraction of the locking motion from the housing interior eliminates the accumulation of dirt and debris that would otherwise block the movement of conventional locking mechanisms in harsh mining environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin features a streamlined cylindrical shape with a helical groove that allows smooth movement through minimal contact with the housing. This simple, smooth exterior design resists dirt accumulation and facilitates easy cleaning, making the mechanism resistant to the harmful effects of dirt in harsh conditions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional locking devices are used, then the boom can be secured, but the devices are not secure enough and leave risk of accidental lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin engages with an inclined surface on the boom, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents accidental disengagement. The geometry of the engagement ensures that the boom's weight and any external forces tend to push the pin further into the locked position rather than allowing it to slip out, providing preliminary anti-action against unintended lowering.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical groove and inclined engagement surfaces are designed to distribute forces evenly across the locking interface, preventing sudden slips or failures. The gradual engagement and disengagement paths provide a cushioning effect that prevents accidental releasing even under vibration or impact conditions.
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 is user-friendly, durable, and effective in maintaining the boom in an elevated position even in dirty conditions, reducing the risk of accidental lowering and enhancing safety during maintenance or service operations.
Implementation Method 1
There is formed a helical guiding groove to the surface of the locking pin, which helical guiding groove is in touch with a steering piece, for example a pin-like steering piece, to control the movement of the locking pin, so that when the locking pin is rotating around its longitudinal axis the locking pin at the same time moves in its horizontal direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a boom uplock device (3) for a loader where and where the boom (1) of the loader is pivotally fastened to the front body (2), and the said boom uplock device comprises at least one elongated, cylindrical locking pin (4) and a support (7) for supporting the locking pin. The support is fastened to the front body, and the support has an essentially horizontal through going aperture (5), in which aperture the locking pin is movably fitted. There is formed a helical guiding groove (9) into the surface of the locking pin, which helical guiding groove is in touch with a steering piece (22) to control the movement of the locking pin, so that when the locking pin is rotating around its longitudinal axis the locking pin at the same time moves in its horizontal direction to enable contact between the locking pin and the underside of the boom to prevent the downward movement of the boom and keeping the boom in an elevated position, or to disable contact between the locking pin and the boom to allow the downward movement of the boom.The invention also relates to a loader.