Remotely Actuated Swing Locking Mechanism for Rotatable Upper Works
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heavy machinery with rotatably mounted upper works requires a second worker outside the operator's cabin to engage the locking mechanism, increasing operating costs and posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained locking mechanism with an actuator and biasing member that allows the carriage member to move between restricted and extended positions, enabling the operator to lock the upper and lower works without external assistance, using a user input device to control the actuator's position and biasing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism with holes or slots and pins is used, then the upper works can be locked relative to the lower works, but a second worker outside the operator's cabin is required to engage the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the carriage member that automatically engages with the pin when the upper works rotate into the locked position. The biasing member provides automatic engagement force, eliminating the need for external workers to manually insert pins or engage locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of inserting pins by hand is replaced with an automated mechanical system where the carriage member's rotation-driven movement automatically positions and engages the locking pin, controlled by the actuator mechanism responsive to operator input.
2Reliability
If a second worker is used to engage the locking mechanism, then the locking can be performed, but operating costs increase and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the locking function autonomously through the actuator mechanism and biasing member that automatically engage the carriage member into the locked position, eliminating the need for additional workers and reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
3Reliability
If a second worker is required to engage the locking mechanism, then the locking can be achieved, but safety issues are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically without requiring workers to position themselves outside the operator's cabin, eliminating exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining secure locking through the self-actuating carriage member and biasing member system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator inside the cabin and the locking components, allowing the operator to safely control the locking process from within the protected cabin environment while the actuator performs the physical engagement actions.
4Ease of operation
If manual pin insertion is used, then the locking mechanism can engage, but the process requires external assistance and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The manual pin insertion process is replaced with an automated actuator mechanism that responds to operator input signals, automatically positioning and engaging the carriage member with the locking pin, thereby increasing automation while maintaining ease of operation through simple operator commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static manual insertion process to a dynamic automated system where the actuator mechanism actively moves the carriage member into engagement, providing responsive and adaptive locking control based on operator input and system state.
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
Eliminates the need for a second worker, reducing operating costs and enhancing safety by allowing the operator to securely lock the machinery without external intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the carriage member toward the extended position in response to the actuator mechanism being in a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for heavy equipment having a first structure moveable relative to a second structure, the locking mechanism having an actuator mechanism, coupled to one of the first structure and the second structure, operable between a deployed position and a retracted position, a biasing member, a carriage member operable between a restricted position, in response to the actuator being in the retracted position, and an extended position. The biasing member is configured to bias the carriage member toward the extended position in response to the actuator mechanism being in a deployed position and the carriage member is configured to prevent relative movement between the first structure and the second structure in the extended position.