Locking Bolt Cam Mechanism for Intermediate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for supporting members of machines, such as cranes or boom structures, lack the ability to selectively block the displacement path between end positions, especially in restricted spaces, requiring manual unlocking and lacking automatic locking in intermediate positions.
Innovation Solution
The engagement and guiding member of the locking device extends between a first engagement position at the transport position and a second at the fully extended working position, with additional intermediate positions, featuring a pivotable latch and cam mechanism to automatically lock the supporting member in a partially extended state, and sensor-based monitoring for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual unlocking is required before leaving end positions, then the locking device can be reliably controlled, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically performs locking and unlocking operations based on the supporting member's position. The control unit detects when the supporting member reaches predetermined positions and automatically actuates the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable locking control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors or position detection mechanisms to monitor the supporting member's location and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback enables the control unit to automatically determine when locking or unlocking should occur, simplifying operation while ensuring reliable positioning
2Reliability
If the supporting member must be fully extended to the second end position, then the locking device can reliably lock in the working position, but it cannot adapt to restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is divided into multiple engagement portions at different positions along the supporting member's travel path. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to engage at multiple discrete locations, enabling reliable locking at the first end position, intermediate positions, or the second end position depending on space constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which engagement position to use based on the working conditions and space availability. The control unit can direct the locking mechanism to engage at any of the multiple engagement portions, making the system adaptable to both fully extended configurations and restricted space scenarios
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic locking is implemented at intermediate positions, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member serves multiple functions: it provides engagement portions for locking at various positions, acts as a guide for the locking bolt, and can be actuated by the same locking mechanism regardless of which position is selected. This multi-functionality achieves positioning flexibility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 selective locking of supporting members in intermediate positions, ensuring reliable positioning even in restricted spaces and enhancing safety through automatic locking and sensor-based monitoring, allowing defined configurations for cranes or boom structures.
Implementation Method 1
a locking bolt (26) which is displaceable between a blocking position and an unblocking position in a guide bushing, which is fixed to the chassis or frame and is arranged transversely with respect to the pull-out direction of the supporting member (10), and is biased in the direction of the blocking position under the influence of a spring
Implementation Method 2
the engagement and guiding member comprises a cam which pushes the locking bolt into a release position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for supporting members for a mobile machine, which supporting members are arranged on a chassis or load-bearing frame and can be extended, pivoted or telescoped from a retracted transport position into a deployed working position, has a locking bolt which can be displaced between a locked position and an unlocked position in a guide sleeve which is fixed to the frame and is arranged transversely with respect to the pulling-out direction of the supporting member, which locking bolt is prestressed in the direction of the locked position under the action of a spring, has an actuating member which displaces the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position, and has a latching and guiding member for the locking bolt, which latching and guiding member is arranged rigidly on the supporting member, wherein the latching and guiding member has a guiding curve which pushes the locking bolt into a release slope, and wherein the locking bolt can be moved in the release slope automatically into the locked position thereof. In order for it to be possible to perform arresting of the supporting members in defined positions in the case of limited spatial conditions and only partially extended supporting members, the latching and guiding member extends between a first latching position for the locking bolt in the region of the retracted transport position of the supporting member and a second latching position for the locking bolt in the region of the completely extended, pivoted-out or telescoped working position of the supporting member, and the latching and guiding member has at least one further latching position between the first and second latching position.