Work Machine Mast Arm Joint Support Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Working machines with foldable masts, such as mobile concrete pumps and excavators, face challenges in providing adequate support for their mast arms during transport, especially on smaller machines with limited chassis space, where conventional support devices are not feasible due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves providing support at the joint connecting the mast arms, where there is more space, using a support device fixed to the chassis that can support one or multiple joints, with components like levers and pivot pins, and incorporating rollers made of wear-resistant plastic to distribute the load and protect the support surface, ensuring effective pivoting and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional support devices are used for mast arms, then the mast arms can be supported during transport, but there is insufficient space on smaller machines with limited chassis space
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is moved from the chassis plane to a vertical dimension by supporting mast arms on each other in a stacked configuration. The lower mast arm supports the upper mast arm at a point above the chassis, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal chassis space, thereby resolving the space constraint on smaller machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower mast arm acts as an intermediary support element between the chassis and the upper mast arm. Instead of directly supporting the upper mast arm on the chassis, the lower mast arm serves as a mediator that provides the necessary support point, enabling space-efficient configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If mast arms are supported only on the next lower mast arm, then space is saved on the chassis, but the support stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lower mast arm is positioned and configured in advance to provide a stable support platform before the upper mast arm is placed. The support point on the lower mast arm is pre-established with appropriate structural features (such as increased distance from the pivot axis) to ensure stability before the upper arm is supported.
Solution Approach 2:
The support geometry is designed with optimized curvature and spacing - the support point is positioned at a greater distance from the pivot axis of the lower mast arm, creating a more stable geometric configuration that enhances support stability while maintaining space efficiency.
3Reliability
If support devices are arranged on mast arms, then the next upper mast arm can be supported, but wear on the support surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sacrificial wear plates or protective surfaces are installed at the support contact points on mast arms. These are designed to be replaceable components that absorb wear, protecting the main structural surfaces. When worn, only these inexpensive components need replacement rather than the entire mast arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surfaces are constructed using composite material structures combining hard wear-resistant layers with softer cushioning layers. This composite structure provides both durability against wear and shock absorption, extending the service life of the support surfaces while maintaining support functionality.
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
This configuration enhances the stability and support of the mast arms during transport, allowing for efficient folding and unfolding, while minimizing wear on the support surfaces and ensuring reliable operation by distributing the load effectively across the support devices.
Implementation Method 1
On at least one and preferably on each of the support parts, a roller which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the hinge pin and rests on the relevant support surface can advantageously be placed. When the roll is laid down on the support surface, the pivot bolt usually also executes a movement with a component parallel to the support surface, so that the roll rolls onto the latter.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a work machine (10) with a chassis, with a mast block (14) which is mounted on the chassis and has a rotary head (12) which can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation, and with a mast (16) which has at least two mast arms (20, 22, 24, 26), wherein each of the mast arms (20, 22, 24), with the exception of a last mast arm (26) which has a free end (30), is pivotably connected, starting from a first mast arm (20), to the respectively following mast arm (22, 24, 26) by means of an articulation (28), and wherein the first mast arm (20) is mounted on the rotary head (12) so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. According to the invention, at least one chassis-mounted supporting device (44) is provided which has a supporting surface (46) on which a component of the articulation (28) or a component of one of the articulations (28) is supported.