Segmented Arm Support Structure for Lightweight Mass Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm supports for working devices like pump trucks and fire trucks are either heavy steel structures or complex, integrally formed lightweight structures, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in production and mass production.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure arm support composed of top, bottom, and side plates with bending portions, allowing for splicing and assembly, using carbon fiber and aluminum alloy materials, and employing friction stir welding for connections, reducing mold complexity and improving production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If arm support is made from high-strength steel structure, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) with aluminum alloy in a hybrid structure. The CFRP top plate and bottom plate provide high strength-to-weight ratio, while aluminum alloy side plates provide structural support. This composite approach achieves the required strength while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional high-strength steel structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If arm support is integrally formed by molds, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arm support into multiple components: top plate, bottom plate, and side plates, which are manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using simpler, less expensive molding processes compared to creating a single complex integral mold, while still achieving high manufacturing precision through controlled assembly of the segmented parts.
3Strength
If arm support structure is optimized for integral molding, then strength is improved, but mold needs re-adjustment reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the arm support into standardized modular components (top plate, bottom plate, side plates), the patent enables independent optimization of each segment without requiring complete mold re-adjustment. This modular segmentation maintains structural strength through optimized component design while significantly improving productivity by allowing parallel manufacturing and easier mold maintenance across multiple production lines.
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 reduces material and mold costs, enhances production efficiency, and achieves a lighter, stronger arm support with improved splicing efficiency and reduced weight compared to integral structures.
Implementation Method 1
employing friction stir welding for connections
Data Source
AI summary
A working device and an arm support (100) thereof. The arm support (100) comprises a top plate (110), a bottom plate (120), and first and second side plates (130, 140). The top plate (110) and the bottom plate (120) are oppositely disposed at an interval. The first and second side plates (130, 140) are oppositely disposed at an interval. One side and an opposite side of the first side plate (130) are provided with a first and a second bending portion (134, 136), respectively. At least a part of the first and second bending portions (134, 136) are attached and spliced to the top plate (110) and the bottom plate (120), respectively. One side and an opposite side of the second side plate (140) are provided with a third and a fourth bending portion (144, 146), respectively. At least a part of the third and fourth bending portions (144, 146) are attached and spliced to the top plate (110) and the bottom plate (120), respectively. The working device is provided with a chassis, a pump tube and the arm support (100), and adjacent arm supports (100) are hinged to one another. The arm support (100) is suitable for mass production and has low costs.