Proximity Switch Support Foot for Mobile Boom Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles, such as mobile concrete pumps, face instability issues during operations involving boom or crane use, particularly when loaded, due to tilting moments, and existing support devices lack a simplified and reliable method to ensure safe ground contact and prevent tipping.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a hydraulic cylinder and a contactless proximity switch that generates a signal based on the drawbar load, allowing for secure detection of sufficient supporting force, with optional integration of a spring element and gear mechanism to enhance reliability and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauge and evaluation electronics are used to detect support load, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical strain gauge measurement system with a magnetic field-based proximity switch system. The proximity switch detects the position of the support foot relative to the support device without physical contact or complex electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive proximity switch instead of expensive strain gauges with evaluation electronics. The proximity switch is a robust, low-cost component that provides sufficient detection capability for the application without requiring complex measurement systems.
2Ease of operation
If contactless proximity switch is used for detection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen in dirty environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the proximity switch and the support foot. The magnetic field penetrates through dirty environments, dust, and contaminants without being affected by them, allowing accurate detection even in harsh construction site conditions while maintaining contactless operation.
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
Ensures stable operation by reliably detecting ground contact and preventing tilting, even in dirty environments, with simplified and cost-effective implementation, and provides redundant safety measures for secure boom operation.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device generates the support load-dependent signal by means of a proximity switch that responds when the distance between the hydraulic cylinder and its upper end position falls below or exceeds a predetermined value
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the support, which can be displaced between an upper and a lower end position relative to the support
Data Source
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AI summary
For vehicles with a boom, lateral support is required as soon as work is performed with the boom. While work is performed with the boom, there is a risk of the vehicle tipping over, in particular if the boom is laterally swung out very far. It is expedient to provide a ground contact sensor system in order to reduce the risk of tipping. For this purpose, the invention provides a supporting device (10) for supporting the vehicle on the ground, comprising - a support (12) connected to the mobile device, - a hydraulic cylinder (13), which is supported on the support (12) and which can be moved between an upper end position and a lower end position in relation to the support (12), - a supporting foot (12a), which can be lowered and raised by means of the hydraulic cylinder (13), and - a sensing device (19), which produces a supporting-load-dependent signal. According to the invention, the sensing device (19) produces the supporting-load-dependent signal by means of a proximity switch, which responds when the distance of the hydraulic cylinder from the upper end position of the hydraulic cylinder falls below or exceeds a specified value.