Compact Slewing Actuator with Segmented Rack and Pinion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slewing actuators for boom systems are bulky, difficult to install, and limited in rotational range due to space constraints, and are not easily disassembled for shipping, leading to high transportation costs and potential slippage issues when hydraulic pressure is removed.
Innovation Solution
A compact slewing actuator system with modular components, including a cylindrical support member, gear assembly, and integral brake, allowing for greater rotational range and easy installation and disassembly, while preventing boom slippage by locking the boom in place when hydraulic pressure is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional slewing actuators are used with integral rack and pinion arrangements, then the boom can be rotated, but the system occupies large space and is limited in rotational range due to clearance constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The sleving actuator is divided into separate components: the boom support means with pinion gear can be detached from the cylindrical support member with rack. This segmentation allows the rack to be positioned in available clearance space while the pinion gear remains attached to the boom, enabling greater rotational range without occupying excessive space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention repositions the rack from a horizontal arrangement (conventional) to a vertical arrangement along the cylindrical support member. This dimensional change allows the rack to utilize vertical clearance space on the ship deck, freeing up horizontal space and enabling greater rotational range of the boom.
2Strength
If conventional slewing actuators are manufactured and shipped as integral units, then the system is structurally sound, but transport by air freight or standard means becomes expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The slewing actuator components (cylindrical support member with rack, boom support means with pinion gear) are designed as separate assemblies that can be shipped independently via standard or air freight. These segmented components are then assembled on-site to form the complete sleving actuator system, reducing transportation costs and logistical complexity while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional slewing actuators are installed using kingpin bushing arrangements with tight tolerances, then proper fit is ensured, but installation becomes very difficult due to coordination between key opening and kingpin
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into the cylindrical support member with external rack and the boom support means with internal pinion gear. This segmentation eliminates the need for tight-tolerance kingpin bushing arrangements, as the components connect through meshing gears that are more tolerant of installation variations, significantly reducing installation difficulty while maintaining precise operational fit.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional slewing actuators have limited size options, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system requires extremely large actuators when ideal size would be between two available sizes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sleving actuator into separable components (rack assembly and pinion gear assembly), the system allows for modular sizing. The rack length and pinion gear size can be independently optimized to match specific application requirements, eliminating the need to select from fixed standard sizes and avoiding the waste of oversized actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous adjustment of actuator parameters (rack length, pinion gear diameter) rather than being constrained to discrete standard sizes. This allows the sleving actuator to be precisely sized for each application, optimizing weight and performance without sacrificing manufacturing simplicity.
5Device complexity
If conventional slewing actuators rely on hydraulic pressure to maintain boom position, then the system is simple, but boom slippage occurs when hydraulic pressure is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The pinion gear and rack arrangement is designed to engage positively and self-lock when hydraulic pressure is removed. The meshing teeth of the pinion gear and rack create a mechanical interlock that automatically maintains boom position without requiring additional braking or locking mechanisms, providing inherent position stability through the geometry of the gear engagement.
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 system provides a more compact design with increased rotational range, easier installation, and reduced shipping costs, while ensuring the boom remains securely locked in place without hydraulic pressure, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
gearing means comprising: (a) a gear assembly; and (b) at least one gear drive constructed and arranged to be fixed to the drive mounting member and operatively connected to the gear assembly
Implementation Method 2
The present invention safely prevents boom slippage through having an integral brake so that when hydraulic pressure is removed (or lost due to component failure), the boom remains securely locked in place
Data Source
AI summary
A slewing actuator system for rotating a boom structure comprises a cylindrical support member having lower and upper ends; a drive mounting member; gearing means comprising a gear assembly and at least one gear drive fixable to the drive mounting member and operatively connected to the gear assembly; and a boom support means to releasably secure the boom structure and operatively connectable to the gearing means. In an operating position, the boom support means is mounted proximate the upper end of the cylindrical support member and is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis; the gear assembly is substantially horizontal; and the gearing means imparts rotational movement to the boom support means. The system can include a pedestal surrounding at least part of the cylindrical support member, which can be a tube or kingpin. The compact modular system can be secured to various surfaces including ship decks and land surfaces.