Modular Dangle Support for Fast Boom and Head Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dangle supports for articulating booms are custom-engineered and specific to particular applications, limiting versatility and requiring time-consuming changes when switching between different dangle heads or booms.
Innovation Solution
A modular dangle support system comprising a spar module with interchangeable cylindrical tubular bodies and dangle head modules, allowing for quick changes between different dangle head configurations and load capacities, and adaptable to various boom mounting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-engineered use-specific dangle supports are used, then the dangle support is optimized for a particular application, but it requires time-consuming changes and lacks versatility when switching between different dangle heads or booms
Solution Approach 1:
The dangle support is divided into separate modular components including a boom mounting assembly, spar assembly, and dangle head assembly that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows different combinations to be assembled for different applications without redesigning the entire system, thereby increasing versatility while reducing changeover time.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal interfaces and standardized components that can accommodate multiple dangle head types and boom configurations. The boom mounting assembly with interchangeable mounting plates and the spar assembly with universal coupling mechanisms enable a single base structure to serve multiple functions across different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-engineered use-specific dangle supports are used, then the dangle support is optimized for a particular application, but it requires time-consuming changes when switching between different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mounting plates and configuration components are pre-manufactured with standardized interfaces and proper geometries for specific applications. These pre-prepared components can be quickly swapped at the job site without requiring on-site fabrication or complex adjustments, thereby maintaining application-specific optimization while improving changeover efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length spar module is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different reach requirements or load capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The spar assembly incorporates adjustable length capabilities through telescopic sections or interchangeable spar segments that can be extended or reduced based on reach requirements. The modular coupling system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the spar length and orientation to accommodate different load capacities and operational requirements without permanently fixing the geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular dangle support for an articulating boom includes at least two modules a spar module and a dangle head module. The spar module has a first end and a second end. The first end has a coupling. The second end has an articulated boom mounting, whereby the spar module is attached to an articulated boom. The dangle head module is detachably secured by the coupling to the first end of the spar module. It is anticipated that there will be more than one dangle head module, with only one dangle head module being used at any one time. Dangle head modules are changed to accommodate different dangle head configurations and different load capacities.