Pivoting Catwalk End for Construction Machine Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catwalks on construction machines with upper slewing bodies face damage from obstacles during slewing due to their design, which also complicates inspection work and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A catwalk with a movable portion at the outermost end, pivotable between horizontal and vertical directions, equipped with an elastic bearing and a downward-facing bumper to prevent damage by flipping up when encountering obstacles, eliminating the need for a large support frame and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the whole catwalk is mounted so as to be pivotable upward from the horizontal orientation, then the catwalk can avoid obstacles during slewing, but the mounting bracket is gouged over a large area, reducing bracket rigidity and increasing damage likelihood
Solution Approach 1:
The catwalk is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion includes a tread plate and a support plate that can pivot upward independently when contacting an obstacle, while the fixed portion remains stable. This segmentation allows the tread plate to avoid obstacles without requiring a large gouged mounting bracket, thus maintaining bracket rigidity while preventing catwalk damage.
2Reliability
If the whole catwalk is mounted so as to be pivotable upward, then obstacle avoidance is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catwalk is segmented into fixed and movable portions. The movable portion uses a simple pivot mechanism with a support plate that rotates about an axis, avoiding the need for complex mounting brackets. This segmentation achieves obstacle avoidance functionality while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture.
3Reliability
If a portion of the catwalk is stored under the fixed portion, then the rear portion can prevent contact with obstacles, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rear portion of the catwalk is designed as a movable portion that can dynamically pivot upward when an obstacle is detected or contacted. This dynamic movement allows the tread plate to clear obstacles without requiring a complicated stored configuration. The movable portion rotates about a fixed axis, providing simple mechanical motion that reduces structural complexity compared to stored configurations.
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 provides a stable and damage-free work passage, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies handling by preventing catwalk damage during slewing and allowing easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a movable portion (18) provided at an end portion of the catwalk (16)
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Object of the Invention: This invention relates to a catwalk which is installed along the side of upper swing structure of construction machine such as large hydraulic excavator. When the upper structure swings at construction work, the end of longer side of the catwalk is susceptible to damage by hitting with materials like piled mud near the machine. The object of this invention is to provide a catwalk which prevents the damage effectively, and has stable walkway, and also provides simple structure for lower manufacturing cost and easy use. Outline of the Invention: With reference to Fig. 1, catwalks (16, 17) are installed on both sides of construction machine (2). Catwalks (16, 17) are symmetrical. Features will be explained to the catwalk (16) by referring Fig. 2 also. The catwalk (16) which is installed along the side (6a) of upper swing structure (6) of construction machine (2) has a movable portion (18) at most outer end (H) from swing center (X). The movable portion (18) is installed around axis (Y) which locates near the side (6a) of swing structure (6), and is installed to rotate between horizontal and upper positions. When the movable portion (18) hits with materials like piled mud (S), it rotates upward (Z2) and prevents damage.