Pinned Telescoping Boom Locking Head for Faster Section Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescoping boom systems are limited by slow extension and retraction speeds, uneven weight distribution, and the need for complex locking mechanisms, which restrict lifting capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drive system featuring a locking head driven by an actuator via a cabling assembly, including a rod-barrel or cable drum, allows for faster and more efficient telescoping section movement with improved weight distribution by eliminating the need for a trombone tube and providing an independent lock actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a telescoping cylinder is used to drive movable sections, then the boom can be extended and retracted, but the extension and retraction speed is limited and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping boom is divided into multiple independently controllable sections (first movable section, second movable section, etc.), each with its own locking pin system. This allows sections to be extended and retracted separately rather than as a single unit, enabling parallel operations and reducing total cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin system is designed to dynamically engage and disengage from movable sections during extension and retraction. The pins can be positioned at multiple locations along the elongated member, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for optimal speed and control during different phases of operation.
2Reliability
If the telescoping cylinder extends to full length to engage movable sections, then sections can be properly coupled, but the cylinder's weight is distributed away from the fulcrum, increasing load on the boom
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin system is extracted from the telescoping cylinder and implemented as a separate, independent mechanism mounted on the boom. This separation allows the cylinder to remain retracted while the locking pins independently engage and couple sections, eliminating the need for the cylinder to extend to full length for coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins serve as intermediary elements between the boom structure and movable sections. These pins provide the coupling function without requiring the main telescoping cylinder to extend, thereby keeping the cylinder's weight concentrated at the fulcrum and reducing the moment arm that would otherwise increase boom loading.
3Ease of operation
If high pressure is used in the trombone tube to operate the locking pin system, then the locking mechanism can function, but the pressure may move the entire telescoping cylinder out of proper position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin actuation system is extracted from the telescoping cylinder and implemented as a separate mechanism. This eliminates the trombone tube entirely, as the locking pins are now operated independently without requiring high-pressure fluid transmission through a telescoping structure. The cylinder positioning is no longer coupled with locking pin operation, eliminating the risk of pressure-induced displacement.
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 solution enhances telescoping boom performance by increasing extension and retraction speeds, reducing weight distribution issues, and improving lifting capacity, while simplifying the locking mechanism for more efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cabling assembly interconnected between the actuator and the locking head such that the locking head is driven to move along the elongated member in response to operation of the actuator. The cabling assembly includes a cable and a plurality of sheaves.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive system (46) for a telescoping boom (22) includes an elongated member (48), a locking head (50) configured to be driven on the elongated member, an actuator (52) configured to drive the locking head on the elongated member, and a cabling assembly (54) interconnected between the actuator and the locking head such that the locking head is driven on the elongated member in response to operation of the actuator, the cabling assembly including a cable (64) and a plurality of sheaves (66, 68). The telescoping boom includes a base section (34) and one or more telescoping sections (36, 38, 40) configured for telescoping movement relative to the base section, and the locking head is configured to selectively engage and disengage a telescoping section of the one or more telescoping sections.