Shovel Stabilizer Appendage for Tipping Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mining shovels face challenges in stabilizing during digging operations, particularly in preventing tipping and maintaining efficient movement due to the limitations of drive tracks and existing stabilizing systems, which can lead to reduced productivity and increased wear on equipment.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a stabilizer appendage, comprising a set of frames and a roller or plate that extends forward from the carbody, provides counterbalance support during digging and allows for a more efficient crawler profile, reducing dynamic ground bearing pressure and enabling uninterrupted dipper movement, thereby enhancing stability and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If drive tracks are extended forward to provide stabilizing support, then stability during digging operations is improved, but the drive tracks may interrupt the swing profile of the dipper when fully tucked
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is segmented from the drive tracks and assigned to a separate stabilizer appendage. This allows the drive tracks to be optimized for movement while the appendage provides stabilization without interfering with the dipper's swing profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer appendage acts as an intermediary element between the carbody and the ground, providing stabilizing support during digging operations without requiring the drive tracks to extend forward and potentially interrupt the dipper's swing profile.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heavy structures are used to provide stabilizing support, then stability during digging operations is improved, but the weight of the mining machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer appendage functions as a counterbalancing element that provides stabilizing support through its positioning and structural design rather than through excessive weight, allowing stability to be achieved with minimal additional mass to the mining machine.
3Adaptability or versatility
If drive tracks are positioned to allow full dipper tuck position, then dipper swing profile is uninterrupted, but stabilizing support during digging operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is separated from the drive track system and implemented through a dedicated stabilizer appendage, allowing the drive tracks to be optimized for clear dipper clearance while the appendage provides the necessary stabilizing support during digging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mining machine includes a base having two drive tracks configured to rest on a ground surface and to move the mining machine along a first direction. The drive tracks each have a length along the first direction between a front end of the drive track and a rear end of the drive track. The mining machine further includes a carbody that extends between the two drive tracks, a turntable coupled to the carbody that defines an axis of rotation, and a stabilizer appendage coupled to the carbody. The stabilizer appendage extends forward from the carbody along the first direction and includes a roller or plate to contact the ground surface and provide stabilizing support during a digging operation. The axis of rotation is positioned closer to the front end of the drive tracks than the rear end of the drive tracks.