Independent Locking Means for Slewing Ring Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slewable arms on vehicles experience rapid wear due to large forces exerted on the slewing ring, leading to reduced service life and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A device with locking means, such as a disc brake, is used to lock the rotation of the slewing system independently of the drive system, reducing force transmission through the slewing ring and allowing the slewing system to be locked during non-operation, thereby minimizing wear and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the slewing ring is used continuously for rotation during operation, then the crane can perform loading and unloading tasks, but the large forces cause rapid wear and reduce service life
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are activated in advance during non-operational periods to lock the slewing ring, preventing wear before it occurs. This preliminary protective action extends the service life of the slewing ring while allowing full operational capability when needed.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the slewing ring is locked during non-operation to prevent wear, then service life is extended, but the crane cannot rotate to perform tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it automatically locks during non-operation and unlocks during operation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain both extended service life through locking and full rotation capability when tasks are performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means are integrated into the crane system and automatically engage/disengage based on operational status without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by locking the slewing ring during idle periods and allowing rotation during active periods.
3Reliability
If the slewing ring is locked independently of the drive system, then safety is enhanced under shocks or defects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent system from the drive mechanism. This independent locking system provides safety during shocks or drive defects without being coupled to the complex drive control system, thereby enhancing reliability while adding minimal complexity.
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 extends the service life of the slewing ring by reducing wear and enhances safety by maintaining the crane's position even under unexpected shocks or system defects, while allowing controlled rotation during operation.
Implementation Method 1
locking means (30), such as a disc brake (35), which are adapted to lock the rotation of the slewing system (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device (10) and a method for locking a slewable arm of a machine (70), mountable on a vehicle (80). The device (10) comprises a foot (11), which can be securely connected to the vehicle: a slewing system (12), rotatable in relation to the foot, and drivable by a drive (20) to cause the machine to rotate; and locking means (30, 35) for locking the rotation of the slewing system (12) relative to the foot (11), wherein the locking means (30, 35) are independent of the drive (20).