Low Height Pivot Arrangement for Excavation Tool Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface excavation machines face maneuverability issues due to the large, heavy-duty constructions of their pivotal interfaces, which negatively affect their mobility when excavation tools are raised during non-excavation operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact and robust pivot arrangement for excavation tools that allows tilting, raising, and lowering, while reducing the moment arm length, enabling a low-height pivot mechanism for efficient transition between transport and excavation positions, and distributing axial load-bearing structures radially to maintain durability without extending the machine's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust heavy-duty pivotal interfaces are used to accommodate rugged excavation applications, then reliability and strength are improved, but device complexity and weight increase, negatively affecting maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal interface is divided into multiple functional segments: a pivot axis for rotation, separate bearing structures for supporting loads, and modular mounting components. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for its specific function while reducing overall complexity compared to a monolithic heavy-duty construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot arrangement utilizes three-dimensional spatial optimization by positioning the pivot axis horizontally and arranging bearing structures in vertical and radial configurations. This dimensional arrangement allows compact integration of support functions without increasing the horizontal footprint, improving maneuverability while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If robust heavy-duty pivotal interfaces are used to accommodate rugged excavation applications, then strength is improved, but weight increases, negatively affecting maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly heavy construction throughout the pivotal interface, local quality is applied by concentrating material and structural reinforcement only where specific loads are applied - such as at the bearing contact points and pivot axis mounting locations. Other areas use lighter construction, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Spherical or curved bearing surfaces are used at the pivot interface to distribute loads more evenly across the contact area. This geometric approach reduces peak stresses, allowing for lighter overall construction while maintaining equivalent strength and durability compared to flat, heavily reinforced surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the excavation tool is raised during non-excavation operations, then operational versatility is improved, but the moment arm increases, negatively affecting maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is pre-positioned at an optimized location that minimizes the moment arm length while still allowing full range of motion for raising and lowering the excavation tool. This preliminary geometric optimization ensures that even when the tool is raised to vertical positions for transport, the rotational moment remains manageable, improving maneuverability without limiting operational versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a low height pivot arrangement for allowing an excavation tool of a surface excavation machine to be pivoted between an upper transport position and a lower excavating position. The low height pivot arrangement assists in reducing a moment arm of the excavation tool when the excavation tool is raised during non-excavating operations.