Shovel Loader Hinge Damping for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shovel loaders with a hinged joint connection between frames are unstable, especially when moving at high speed over rough ground with a loaded bucket, leading to tipping risks and potential driver injuries, as existing solutions do not effectively stabilize the vehicle under load.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two liquid reservoirs connected via a throttle valve to dampen the movement between the frames, using hydraulic cylinders to exert pressure and stabilize the vehicle by slowing down the movement of the hinge pin, thereby preventing tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged joint connection is used between frames to improve maneuverability, then the vehicle becomes more manoeuvrable and compact, but the vehicle becomes unstable and tips easily when moving over rough ground or slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic damper system with two reservoirs containing viscous fluid and a throttle valve to control the relative movement between the first and second frames. The hydraulic resistance provides damping force that stabilizes the vehicle during operation while allowing the hinged joint to maintain its maneuverability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and flow characteristics of the hydraulic fluid through the throttle valve to provide variable damping. By controlling the fluid flow parameters (viscosity, flow rate, pressure), the system can adapt the damping force to match different operating conditions, providing stability when needed while maintaining maneuverability.
2Productivity
If the vehicle moves at high speed with a loaded bucket over rough ground, then productivity increases, but the vehicle tips due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damper system with viscous fluid and throttle valve provides progressive damping that increases with the speed and severity of movements. This allows the vehicle to operate at high speeds over rough ground with loaded buckets while the hydraulic system provides sufficient damping force to prevent tipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with the throttle valve and hydraulic circuitry providing variable resistance that adapts to the operating conditions. The damping force increases with the speed of relative frame movement, allowing high-speed operation while maintaining stability during rapid movements over rough terrain.
3Volume of moving object
If a hinged joint is used to allow frame movement, then the vehicle is more compact, but oscillations occur when moving without load
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damper system provides continuous damping force that counteracts oscillations between the frames. The viscous fluid and throttle valve create resistance to rapid movements, damping out oscillations that occur when the vehicle moves without load or during normal operation, while the hinged joint maintains vehicle compactness.
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 significantly enhances the stability of the vehicle, even when moving at high speed with a loaded bucket over rough ground, by forming a rigid whole between the frames and maintaining stability, reducing the risk of tipping.
Implementation Method 1
two liquid reservoirs containing a hydraulic liquid which are connected via a throttle valve whereby, during the movement of said first frame in relation to the second frame, said liquid is displaced between both reservoirs via said throttle valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a shovel loader, comprising a first frame (1) with a first set of wheels (2,3) and a second frame (4) with a second set of wheels (5,6), whereby the first frame (1) is connected to the second frame (4) by means of a hinged joint (13), such that the first frame can move in relation to the second frame, whereby means (28,29,23) are provided to dampen the movement of the first frame (1) in relation to the second frame (4).