Pivoting Conduit Support Structure to Prevent Boom-Arm Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rope shovels lack a flexible conduit support system that can accommodate the rotational and translational movements of the boom and handle, leading to conduit binding and inefficiencies in fluid and power transmission during the operation of industrial machines like mining shovels.
Innovation Solution
A conduit support system comprising pivotably coupled links that allow for articulation and movement with the boom and handle, ensuring continuous fluid and power communication without binding, even during lateral or torsional motions, using a combination of fixed and flexible conduit portions and rotary unions for fluid swiveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed conduit support system is used in conventional rope shovels, then the structure is simple and stable, but the conduit binds and snags during rotational and translational movements of the boom and handle
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit support system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one where the support members are pivotably coupled to accommodate rotational and translational movements. This allows the conduit to move flexibly with the boom and handle while maintaining proper alignment and preventing binding or snagging during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit support structure is divided into multiple segmentable components including first and second support members that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows each component to move autonomously to accommodate different positions of the boom and handle, providing flexibility without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
2Strength
If the conduit is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the conduit cannot accommodate lateral and torsional motions without binding
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system incorporates flexible elements that allow lateral and torsional motions while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible portions enable the conduit to bend and rotate with the moving components without binding, while the rigid portions maintain strength for fluid and power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit support system uses dynamic pivotable couplings that allow the conduit to adapt its configuration during operation. The support members can rotate and adjust their positions to accommodate the full range of motion of the boom and handle, enabling the conduit to maintain both strength and flexibility throughout operation.
3Reliability
If the conduit follows the movement of the boom and handle, then continuous fluid communication is maintained, but the conduit experiences increased wear and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable support members act as intermediaries between the moving conduit and the fixed frame. These support members absorb and accommodate the rotational and translational movements, reducing the wear and stress on the conduit itself while maintaining continuous fluid communication throughout the full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit incorporates flexible portions that can bend and rotate without excessive stress. These flexible sections allow the conduit to follow the movement of the boom and handle while minimizing wear and stress concentrations, thereby extending the service life of the conduit while maintaining reliable fluid communication.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial machine includes a frame having a base and a boom, an arm movably coupled to the boom, an attachment, a conduit, a first member, and a second member. The boom has a first end coupled to the base and a second end opposite the first end. The arm includes a first end and a second end. The attachment is coupled to the first end of the arm. The conduit extends from the frame to the arm. The first member is pivotably coupled to the frame and supports a first portion of the conduit as the arm moves relative to the boom. The second member is pivotably coupled between the first member and the arm, and supports a second portion of the conduit as the arm moves relative to the boom.