Swivel Joint Assembly with Nested Disc Brake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swivel joint arrangements for crane arms require a large space for disc-shaped braking elements, limiting the arrangement of other components like hose lines between pivot bearings.

Innovation Solution

The swivel joint arrangement integrates disc-shaped braking elements and disc springs along the axis of rotation within the pivot bearing, using a profiled attachment for easy replacement and reduced space requirements, allowing for a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If disc-shaped braking elements are made large for effective braking, then braking performance is improved, but space requirement increases and they must be arranged between pivot bearings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the disc-shaped braking elements inside the pivot bearing structure. The braking elements are arranged concentrically within the pivot bearing, utilizing the internal space of the bearing housing rather than requiring external space between pivot bearings. This nested arrangement allows effective braking performance while minimizing the overall space footprint of the swivel joint assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If disc-shaped braking elements are arranged between pivot bearings, then sufficient space is available for braking components, but space for other components like hose lines is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for braking componentsVSAvoidspace for hose lines and other components
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By nesting the braking elements within the pivot bearing, the patent frees up the external space between pivot bearings for other components such as hose lines and protective structures. The braking system occupies the internal volume of the bearing housing, while the external space remains available for routing utilities and accommodating additional components, thereby increasing the overall adaptability of the swivel joint assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If bearing bolt is used as part of pendulum brake with profile attachment, then space requirement is minimized, but replacement complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidreplacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by designing the braking elements as separate, modular components that can be independently attached to and removed from the bearing bolt. The profile attachment system allows the braking elements to be segmented into discrete units that can be replaced without replacing the entire brake assembly or pivot bearing, thereby simplifying maintenance while maintaining compact space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design minimizes space usage, enabling the protection of hose lines and facilitating easier maintenance by allowing the disc-shaped braking elements to be easily replaced, while maintaining effective braking functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a swing brake (9), with a plurality of disc-shaped braking elements (10, 11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of disc-shaped braking elements (10, 11) and the plurality of disc springs (12) can be arranged along a common axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2570379B1Swivel joint assembly
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 EPSILON KRAN
  • EP2570379B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2570379B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP2570379B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

Swivel joint arrangement for a crane arm (1) with a fastening device (2) for work equipment, comprising: - a swivel joint (3) which has two spaced-apart pivot bearings (4, 5) along its axis of rotation (x), wherein at least one of the two pivot bearings (4, 5) has at least two lugs (6, 7) and a bearing pin (8), one lug (6) of which can be connected to the crane arm (1) and the other lug (7) to the fastening device (2), and the bearing pin (8) is non-rotatably connected to one of the two lugs (6, 7) and rotates relative to the other of the two lugs (6, 7), - at least one pendulum brake (9) to brake or prevent the work equipment from pendulum-like on the crane arm (1).to dampen, wherein the pendulum brake (9) has a plurality (10, 11) of disc-shaped brake elements, wherein - a first part (10) of the plurality (10, 11) of disc-shaped brake elements has an outer profile on its outer circumferential edge, and - a second part (11) of the plurality (10, 11) of disc-shaped brake elements has an inner profile on its inner circumferential edge, and - the first (10) or the second part (11) of the plurality (10, 11) of disc-shaped brake elements is positively locked to the bearing bolt (8) via a complementary profile, and - the other part (10, 11) of the plurality (10, 11) of disc-shaped brake elements is positively locked to that tab (6, 7) relative to which the The bearing bolt (8) rotates.