Mast Carriage Connection Mechanism for Rapid Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of implement carriages on feed carriages in drilling gear systems is complex and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment of bolts, making it difficult to assemble and disassemble quickly under construction site conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of first connecting elements that allow relative movement between the implement and feed carriages for initial alignment and positioning, followed by a second connection using second connecting elements, which simplifies the assembly process and reduces the need for precise alignment, enabling faster and more straightforward attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If four bolts are used to attach the feed carriage to the working equipment carriage, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into two distinct stages: a first connection using a single bolt that establishes preliminary alignment, and a second connection using four bolts that provides the final secure attachment. This segmentation allows the complex four-bolt connection to be approached systematically, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first connecting element (single bolt) performs a preliminary action by establishing initial alignment between the carriages before the final four-bolt connection is made. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for precise pre-alignment, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring the subsequent secure connection can be properly executed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment is required for bolt insertion, then the connection is accurate, but the assembly process becomes complicated and requires additional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment process is segmented into two phases: rough alignment achieved through the first single-bolt connection, and precise alignment achieved through the second four-bolt connection. This eliminates the need for precise pre-alignment tools and procedures, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first connecting element acts as an intermediary that facilitates the alignment process. By establishing preliminary contact and positioning between the carriages, it serves as a mediator that makes the subsequent precise alignment and final connection much simpler, eliminating the need for complex alignment tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the working equipment carriage is disassembled for transport, then the transport weight and dimensions are reduced, but the assembly and disassembly processes become recurring complex tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport dimensionsVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The first single-bolt connection performs a preliminary action by quickly establishing initial attachment between the carriages. This preliminary connection is sufficient to maintain structural integrity during transport, eliminating the need for the full four-bolt connection during transit while enabling rapid assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is made dynamic by allowing it to transition between two states: a simplified single-bolt connection for transport and assembly/disassembly operations, and a full four-bolt connection for final secure attachment during operation. This dynamic approach optimizes both transport efficiency and assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1983149B2Mast
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING
  • EP1983149B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1983149B2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP1983149B2 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mast with a feed carriage (10) which is slidable in a longitudinal direction on the mast, and a tool carriage (20) which can be detachably connected to the feed carriage for mounting and dismounting the tool. According to the invention, this mast is provided with first connecting elements (15, 25, 35) which, by means of a relative movement of the tool carriage and feed carriage, establish a first connection between the tool carriage and the feed carriage, via which the tool carriage rests on the feed carriage. This allows the tool carriage with the tool to be placed on the feed carriage and thus pre-positioned by means of a relative movement of the two carriages, without requiring precise alignment. The invention further comprises corresponding tool carriages and feed carriages, as well as a method for their assembly.