Crane Telescope Locking Hydraulics for Fail-Open Cylinder Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for crane telescopes are inaccessible for maintenance or repair when control electronics fail, making it difficult to actuate the cylinder lock, especially when the crane is in an unfavorable position.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a control device that automatically switches to an open state in case of control electronics failure, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow between the cylinder chamber and the cylinder locking hydraulic cylinder, enabling the cylinder lock to be released, and includes features like check valves and pressure sequence valves to ensure safe unlocking and telescoping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control device takes hydraulic fluid from a cylinder chamber of the telescoping cylinder, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but the control elements become inaccessible in most operative positions when installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the locking mechanism dynamically controllable through a valve that can switch between blocked and open states. The valve is controlled by control electronics that can detect unfavorable positions and automatically open the valve to allow hydraulic fluid flow, enabling the locking mechanism to be actuated even when control elements are normally inaccessible. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by providing accessibility only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to automatically detect when the crane telescope is in an unfavorable position and self-activate to open the valve, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow and enabling manual or automatic actuation of the locking mechanism without requiring external access to control elements. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and initiating the necessary actions.
2Reliability
If the valve blocks the hydraulic connection in normal operation, then controlled actuation is achieved, but the cylinder lock cannot be released in case of control electronics failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different operational states for the valve: in normal operation, the valve remains blocked to ensure controlled actuation and prevent unintended movement; in emergency situations, the valve can be opened to allow hydraulic fluid flow for releasing the cylinder lock. This localized control at the valve level resolves the contradiction by providing both controlled operation and emergency release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with preliminary action by continuously monitoring the operational state and being prepared to switch the valve from blocked to open state when control electronics failure is detected. The system anticipates potential emergencies and has the capability to automatically transition to emergency mode, ensuring the cylinder lock can be released even when control electronics fail.
3Ease of operation
If the valve is always open, then the cylinder lock can be easily released, but controlled actuation and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to be dynamically controllable rather than permanently fixed in one state. It can switch between blocked and open states based on operational requirements and detected conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain controlled actuation during normal operation while enabling easy cylinder lock release when needed, resolving the contradiction between safety control and operational ease.
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
Enables emergency operation of the cylinder lock, allowing for safe retraction and inspection or repair of the crane telescope by automatically unlocking the cylinder lock when control electronics fail, ensuring operational safety and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the valve releases a fluidic connection between the cylinder chamber of the telescoping cylinder and the at least one cylinder locking hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a crane telescopic locking device comprising a control unit (8) hydraulically connected to a telescopic cylinder (6) of a crane telescopic section (4) and to at least one cylinder locking hydraulic cylinder (7) for actuation, with a valve (9) that is open in the unactuated rest state and thus releases a fluidic connection between the telescopic cylinder (6) and the at least one cylinder locking hydraulic cylinder (7). The invention further relates to a crane telescopic cylinder (6) with such a crane telescopic locking device.