Deformable Scissors Kinematic Assembly for Variable Track Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional lifting devices face limitations in spatial constraints due to limited track widening amplitude, bulkiness, and inability to adapt to varying environments, restricting movement and stability while lifting loads sideways.

Innovation Solution

A mini-crane with a deformable lateral scissors kinematic assembly that allows for variable track width adjustment from a minimum to a maximum, providing increased stability and maneuverability by eliminating traditional axle systems and using a lever and transmission member for deformation, enabling an infinity of track values and substantial track widening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional track widening systems are used, then the track can be widened to improve stability, but the transverse bulk increases reducing maneuverability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack stabilityVSAvoidtransverse bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic track widening system where the track width can be adjusted between a retracted position (minimal bulk) and a widened position (maximal stability). The widening means can be moved between a retracted position in which the track of the lifting device is minimal and a deployed position in which the track of the lifting device is maximum, allowing the system to adapt its stability and bulk characteristics based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The track widening system is divided into separable components that can be independently controlled. The lifting device comprises widening means that can be moved between retracted and deployed positions, allowing selective widening of the track without permanently increasing the overall structure size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional track widening systems are used, then the track can be widened to improve stability, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is designed with multi-functional components where the widening means serve multiple purposes: they can be used to widen the track for stability, retracted for compactness, and positioned at intermediate values for partial widening. This universal design allows a single system to provide track widening, compact storage, and intermediate positioning capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional track widening systems are used, then the track can be widened to improve stability, but the amplitude of widening is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack stabilityVSAvoidtrack width adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous adjustability of the track width between minimum and maximum values, allowing adaptation to various operational conditions and spatial constraints rather than being limited to fixed discrete positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If the lifting device is designed for compactness, then maneuverability improves, but the track widening amplitude is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidtrack widening capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device incorporates a dynamic track widening system that can be deployed when stability is needed and retracted when compactness is required, allowing the system to transition between compact and widened states rather than being fixed in one configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances stability and compactness, allowing the lifting device to move with loads in various positions, significantly increasing track width and reducing bulk, thus improving mobility and adaptability in constrained environments.

Implementation Method 1

track widening means comprising a deformable lateral scissors kinematic assembly in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the lifting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinematics:

Implementation Method 2

The kinematic assembly in deformable lateral scissors makes it possible to have a large track amplitude. Thus, the stability of the machine can be significantly increased

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage:

Implementation Method 3

a second connecting rod, articulated in rotation on a support member of the rolling means around an axis X2 and on the first connecting rod around an axis X3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 4

articulated in rotation on a support member of the rolling means around an axis X2 and on the first connecting rod around an axis X3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2692680B1Hoisting engine
Publication Date: 2016.01.20 MOBILEV CRANES
  • EP2692680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2692680B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2692680B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The machine (1) has a path widening unit comprising deformable side shears (8) and a deformation unit to deform the shears between folded and deployed positions. The shears have a rod (10) extended from a side (15)/an upper portion (17) of a frame (2) and another rod (12) rotatively articulated on a support element (6) of a bearing unit and on the former rod around an axis (X3). The rods form an angle (alpha). The deformation unit is arranged to pivot the latter rod relative to the former rod around the axle while varying the angle between minimal and maximum values attained in the positions.