Outrigger Extend-Retract System With Single Piston and Internal Line Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outrigger extend-retract systems in telescopic and knuckle boom cranes require three hydraulic pistons, leading to increased weight, cost, and exposure of hydraulic and electric lines, which can result in malfunctions and safety hazards due to external placement.
Innovation Solution
A compact outrigger extend-retract system using a single piston for synchronous telescopic extension and retraction, where the hydraulic and electric lines are housed within the telescopic rail, eliminating external drums and reducing weight and assembly complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If three hydraulic pistons are used for outrigger extension and retraction, then the outrigger can be extended and retracted in three stages, but the weight and cost of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate hydraulic pistons into a single piston that performs all three stages of extension and retraction. The single piston is connected to three separate rod ends through a common cylinder body, allowing one actuator to control the movement of three outrigger segments simultaneously, thereby reducing weight while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic piston is designed to perform multiple functions: it extends and retracts all three outrigger segments through its three rod ends. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for three separate pistons, reducing system weight and complexity while maintaining the ability to extend and retract the outriggers in three stages.
2Ease of operation
If three hydraulic pistons and hydraulic lines are used, then the outrigger can be extended and retracted, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate hydraulic lines into a single hydraulic line that supplies fluid to the single piston. This reduction in hydraulic line connections simplifies the system, reduces the number of potential failure points, and lowers the overall complexity of the hydraulic system while maintaining the ability to extend and retract the outriggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex network of three separate hydraulic lines and their associated connections. By using a single hydraulic line that feeds the single piston, the system removes the complexity of multiple connections and routing, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining operational functionality.
3Device complexity
If hydraulic lines and electric cables are placed outside the outrigger, then the mechanism can be simplified, but the lines are exposed to external factors and may break down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the hydraulic line and electric cable within the telescopic structure of the outrigger. The hydraulic line runs through the telescopic rail, and the electric cable is routed through the same structure, protecting these vulnerable components from external factors while maintaining access to the mechanism. This nesting approach ensures that the lines are shielded during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic rail structure serves as an intermediary protective barrier for the hydraulic line and electric cable. By routing these lines through the telescopic rail, the system uses the existing structural element as a protective conduit, shielding the vulnerable lines from external damage while allowing the outrigger to extend and retract.
4Ease of manufacture
If the mechanism is assembled outside the outrigger, then the assembly process is simpler, but time and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mechanism into modular components that can be pre-assembled and tested separately before final installation into the outrigger. The single piston, telescopic rail, and associated linkages are designed as separable modules, allowing for efficient assembly procedures and reducing the time required for final installation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an outrigger extend-retract system with compact structure capable of horizontally extending with three segments (11, 12, 13) that enables the outriggers to be extended and shortened used in telescopic boom or knuckle boom cranes. Furthermore, the system comprises two pulleys (70, 120), an organized chain (100), a hydraulic line (80), a piston sleeve (20) and an electric line (90) which moves within the organized chain with the hydraulic line and provides electrical connections of the outrigger.