Support Leg Box Layout for Flexible Outrigger Load Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structures for working machines with masts are limited in flexibility and weight due to the need for robustness at specific load transfer points, restricting operation positions and increasing weight with additional bulkheads.

Innovation Solution

A support structure with a single load application point inside the support leg box combined with continuous reinforcement over the support leg length, allowing for flexible operation and reduced weight by optimizing force flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If transverse bulkheads are welded into the outrigger to prevent buckling at force transfer points, then the outrigger becomes robust enough to handle considerable forces, but the number of possible outrigger positions is reduced and the outrigger weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness at force transfer pointsVSAvoidnumber of possible outrigger positions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the bulkheads from the outrigger structure and relocates them to the outrigger housing. This allows the outrigger itself to remain lightweight and flexible without buckling prevention elements, while the housing provides the necessary structural support at force transfer points. The outrigger can now be positioned more freely without being constrained by bulkhead locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the structural support function between two components: the outrigger (which remains lightweight and positionable) and the outrigger housing (which contains the bulkheads for structural support). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the outrigger for flexibility and the housing for strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If numerous transverse bulkheads are installed in the outrigger to prevent buckling, then the outrigger can handle considerable forces, but the outrigger weight increases adversely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle considerable forcesVSAvoidoutrigger weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bulkheads are extracted from the outrigger and placed in the outrigger housing instead. This eliminates the need for weighty bulkhead structures in the movable outrigger, significantly reducing its weight while maintaining the force handling capability through the housing's bulkheads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If the support leg is made robust at specific load transfer points to absorb considerable forces, then the support structure can handle operational loads, but the flexibility of leg positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to absorb considerable forcesVSAvoidflexibility of leg positions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The structural reinforcement (bulkheads) is extracted from the support leg and placed in the support leg box. This allows the support leg to remain lightweight and flexible for positioning, while the box provides the necessary strength at load transfer points through its bulkhead structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4263412B1Supporting construction
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 PUTZMEISTER ENG GMBH
  • EP4263412B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4263412B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4263412B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Supporting construction (10) for a working machine comprising a mast, having a supporting leg box (12), which is open to a front side (16), and having a supporting leg (20) which is mounted displaceably in the longitudinal direction for moving between a completely retracted position and a position in which it is completely extended by a maximum extension length (A), wherein the supporting leg box (12) has, in the region of the open front side (16), a first load introduction device (30) and, at a given distance (D) from the front side (16), within the supporting leg box, a single second load introduction device (32) having at least one supporting surface (34), and wherein the supporting leg (20) has a reinforcing element (36) which extends substantially along a length (L) of the supporting leg (20) and which is designed to bear on the at least one supporting surface (34) of the single second load introduction device (32).