Oscillating Brush Suspension for Sweeping Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sweeping machines with articulated brush suspensions face challenges in rapidly responding to terrain irregularities due to hydraulic shock absorbers, which cause the brush to miss cleaning zones downstream of bumps as it slowly returns to the ground.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a support frame with a cable-suspended rotary brush, utilizing a double-acting hydraulic piston-cylinder group and a single-acting piston-cylinder group with a priority valve and by-pass valve, allowing for sharp drops and improved terrain following by suspending the brush's support action during bumps, enabling immediate contact with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic shock absorbers are used in the articulated suspension, then the brush is protected from sharp vertical movements, but the brush cannot rapidly respond to terrain irregularities and misses cleaning zones downstream of bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two hydraulic circuit configurations: a first configuration with shock absorbers for stability during normal operation, and a second configuration without shock absorbers for rapid response to terrain irregularities. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the brush to adapt its characteristics in real-time based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic circuit periodically alternates between providing shock absorption and providing free movement. The control system activates the by-pass valve to divert hydraulic fluid, creating periodic cycles of damping and undamped motion that enable the brush to alternate between stability and rapid response modes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If shock absorbers are used to prevent sharp vertical movements, then the brush movement is controlled, but the brush lowers slowly after encountering a bump and fails to clean the zone downstream
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the shock absorber function from the hydraulic circuit by activating the by-pass valve, which divert hydraulic fluid away from the shock absorbers. This removal of the damping effect allows the brush to move freely and rapidly respond to terrain changes, ensuring complete cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors brush position and terrain conditions, then activates the by-pass valve when rapid response is detected as necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures the system transitions from controlled movement to free movement at the appropriate moments to maintain cleaning productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a double-acting hydraulic piston-cylinder group is used for brush suspension, then the brush can be positioned at rest and work configurations, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single by-pass valve serves multiple functions: it controls the transition between shock absorption and free movement modes, regulates hydraulic fluid flow distribution, and enables both rapid response and stable positioning operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control components for each operation mode.
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 the brush to maintain consistent contact with the ground, ensuring effective cleaning by allowing sharp drops and immediate recovery from terrain irregularities, enhancing cleaning efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a double-acting hydraulic piston-cylinder group (53) supplied by a pump (6) via a four-way distributor (10) and a single-acting second piston-cylinder group (51) which is supplied by the pump (6) via a priority valve (7) and a manually adjustable choke (102)
Implementation Method 2
The frame (1) bearing the brush (2) is suspended from a cable (3) wound on a pulley (32) which is solidly constrained to a cylinder (50) of the first piston-cylinder group (53)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An oscillating suspension means for a brush of a sweeping machine, comprising a support frame for the rotating brush (2), which is suspended from a frame of the machine by means of a double-acting first piston-cylinder group (53) supplied by a pump via a four-way distributor (10), activated either automatically or manually by an operator, the cylinder (5) of the first piston-cylinder group (53) being placed in series with a single-acting second piston-cylinder group (51) made sensitive to means for detecting a sharp rising of the brush.