Spring Suspension for Milling Machine Lifting Columns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled milling machines have limited working efficiency due to their low driving speed when moving between milling locations, as vibrations can damage mechanical components and reduce their service life, leading to slow movement and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

The lifting columns of the milling machine are modified to include a spring device, allowing for suspension during driving operations, enabling the machine to move at higher speeds without damaging components and reducing operator discomfort, thus increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the milling machine moves at higher driving speeds between locations, then the working efficiency increases and relocation time decreases, but vibrations damage mechanical components and reduce their service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking efficiencyVSAvoidservice life of mechanical components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spring device that is coupled to the lifting columns before high-speed travel begins. This spring device acts as a cushioning element that absorbs vibrations and shocks during driving operation, preventing damage to mechanical components while allowing the machine to travel at higher speeds between milling locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the lifting columns dynamically configurable by coupling them to a spring device that can be engaged or disengaged based on operational mode. During driving operation, the spring device is activated to provide vibration isolation, while during milling operation, the system can be configured for rigid support, allowing the machine to adapt its mechanical characteristics to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If the milling machine moves at higher driving speeds, then the time taken to relocate decreases, but the vibrations become uncomfortable for the vehicle driver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelocation timeVSAvoiddriver comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring device is prepared and coupled to the lifting columns before high-speed travel begins, ensuring that vibration isolation is already in place when the machine starts moving at higher speeds. This prevents uncomfortable vibrations from reaching the driver's cab during relocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Speed

If the lifting columns are modified to include a spring device, then suspension during driving is enabled and higher speeds are possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving speedVSAvoidcomplexity of lifting column structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting columns are designed to serve dual functions: they provide height adjustment during milling operation and serve as suspension elements during driving operation. By coupling the spring device to the existing lifting column structure, the same mechanical components perform multiple functions, avoiding the need for separate suspension systems and minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the height adjustment function of the lifting columns with the suspension function by coupling the spring device directly to the lifting column structure. This integration allows a single system to provide both functions, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modification allows the milling machine to move at significantly higher speeds, significantly reducing the time taken to relocate, thereby substantially increasing the overall working efficiency without increased space or equipment costs.

Implementation Method 1

a spring device can act between the machine frame and the lifting columns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2644775B1Self-propelled milling machine, use of a lifting column of a milling machine, and method for increasing the efficiency of a milling machine
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP2644775B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2644775B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In a self-propelled milling machine, in particular a road milling machine (1), stabilizer, recycler or surface miner for processing road or soil surfaces (5), with a chassis (2) having front and rear chassis axles (4, 6) in the direction of travel (18) with a total of at least three running gears (8), with a machine frame (3) supported by the chassis (2), with lifting columns (10) between the running gears (8) and the machine frame (3) on at least two running gears (8) of a chassis axle (4, 6) offset transversely to each other in the direction of travel (18), and with a work roller (12), it is provided that the work roller (12) is adjustable into a position for travel with the work roller (12) raised and the lifting columns (10) in the set position of the work roller (12) are coupling with a spring device (14) at a distance from the road or soil surface (5).