Outriggers with Integrated Linear Drive Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile machines, such as truck-mounted concrete pumps, face issues with unintentional swiveling of outriggers during driving due to centrifugal forces, leading to potential accidents, and existing locking mechanisms are complex, costly, and prone to operator errors.

Innovation Solution

A blocking device integrated into the linear drive of the outrigger, which can be switched between a blocking and release position, prevents unintentional swinging by locking the support arm in the pivoted-in position, and is activated or deactivated automatically with the hydraulic system, ensuring the outrigger is securely locked during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms with manual bolts are used, then the outrigger can be locked in the pivoted-in position, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the linear drive mechanism. The blocking device is integrated into the linear drive such that the drive element itself serves as part of the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate locking bolts and tabs. This reduces device complexity while maintaining locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear drive automatically performs the locking function through its own structure. The drive element with transverse blocking surface serves as both the actuating mechanism and the locking element, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating external locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If stable locking elements are used to prevent unintentional swiveling, then the outrigger locking reliability improves, but the overall machine weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutrigger locking reliabilityVSAvoidmachine weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is combined with the existing linear drive structure. The drive element itself provides the blocking surface, eliminating the need for additional heavy locking components. This maintains locking reliability while avoiding increased machine weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual locking bolts are used, then the outrigger can be locked, but the ease of operation decreases due to manual insertion and removal requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The linear drive automatically locks and unlocks the outrigger through its own operation. When the linear drive is retracted, the blocking surface automatically engages to lock the outrigger in the pivoted-in position. When the linear drive extends, the locking automatically releases. This eliminates manual intervention and improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is made dynamic rather than static. The blocking device automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the position of the linear drive, adapting to the operational requirements without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the outrigger can be locked, but the manufacturing cost increases due to precision mounting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged into the linear drive structure, which is already a standard component. This eliminates the need for separate locking components and their precision mounting, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution significantly reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring the outrigger remains locked during operation, simplifies the locking process, and reduces the weight and complexity of the machine, while automatically preventing unintentional movement.

Implementation Method 1

a linear drive that is articulated on the vehicle body on the one hand and on the support arm on the other. Such mobile machines are well known from the prior art. For example, truck-mounted concrete pumps or mobile cranes have swing-out outriggers, which can be supported on the ground in their swung-out position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a blocking device assigned to the linear drive is provided, which can be switched between a blocking position preventing the linear movement of the linear drive and a release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical blocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2324253A1Mobile machine with pivotable support extensions
Publication Date: 2011.05.25 SCHWING GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile machine (1), particularly to an automatic concrete pump, with a vehicle body (3) carrying the machine (1) and with a hinged support extension (2) on the vehicle body (3), said extension being pivotable about a vertical pivoting axis (4) between a pivoted position and a non-pivoted position by means of a linear drive (5) that is hinged on the vehicle body (3) and on the support extension (2). Such a mobile machine (1) comprises a locking mechanism for locking the support extensions (2) in the pivoted-in position. In order to improve such a locking mechanism, the invention proposes that a blocking device (10) associated with the linear drive (5) is provided, said blocking device being able to be switched between a blocked position preventing the linear movement of the linear drive (5) and a released position.