Telescopic Arm Rigid Chain Drive Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing current collector systems for vehicles require a circumferential belt with two belt wheels for telescopic arm extension and retraction, which is complex and inefficient, and lacks optimal weight distribution and precision in movement.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic arm utilizing a single rigid chain with a sprocket-driven rigid chain system, allowing for extension and retraction without a circumferential belt, providing better weight distribution and precise movement by absorbing thrust and tensile forces, and enabling rapid and precise delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a circumferential belt with two belt wheels is used for telescopic arm extension and retraction, then the system can achieve movement, but the device complexity increases and weight distribution becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive system complexityVSAvoidtelescopic arm weight distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes one belt wheel from the drive system, using only a single deflecting device (sprocket) instead of two belt wheels. This extraction of the redundant component simplifies the overall drive system structure while maintaining the telescopic arm's extension and retraction functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of the drive system into a single integrated sprocket and rigid chain assembly, replacing the separate two-belt-wheel circumferential belt system. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the drive mechanism while achieving the same telescopic movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If a circumferential belt system is used, then the telescopic arm can extend and retract, but the manufacturing precision and movement precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelescopic arm movement precisionVSAvoidbelt drive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the flexible circumferential belt mechanical system with a rigid chain drive system. The rigid chain, guided by a single sprocket, provides more precise mechanical engagement and movement control compared to the belt system, thereby improving manufacturing and movement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the drive is positioned at the outer end of the extended telescopic arm, then the arm can be actuated, but the weight distribution deteriorates and stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelescopic arm actuationVSAvoidweight distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the drive at the outer end of the extended telescopic arm, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the drive (sprocket) on the first telescopic stage, which is closer to the base. This reversal of the drive position improves weight distribution and stability while maintaining full actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Force

If a rigid chain is used instead of a circumferential belt, then thrust and tensile forces are better absorbed, but the system requires a deflecting device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust and tensile force absorptionVSAvoiddeflecting device requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the deflecting function from a separate component and integrates it into a single sprocket that serves both as the drive element and the deflecting device for the rigid chain. This reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the force absorption capabilities of the rigid chain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 rigid chain system enables efficient and precise extension and retraction of the telescopic arm, improving weight distribution and reducing swinging when the drive is stopped, allowing for reliable operation in both horizontal and vertical directions, suitable for cranes and container stacking cranes.

Implementation Method 1

The rigid chain can absorb very large thrust- and tensile forces due to its structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

only a deflecting device, in particular in the form of a sprocket, is needed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10139041B2Telescopic arm with a push-pull chain drive

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 PAUL VAHLE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a telescopic arm (1), in particular, for a current collector system for a vehicle which can be driven along a power rail arrangement, wherein the telescopic arm (1) can be extended and/or retracted by means of an adjustment drive (7, 8, 9, 10) and the telescopic arm (1) has a base unit (2) which can be attached to the vehicle, on which a first telescopic stage (3) is arranged displaceably in a direction (RT), in particular, horizontally, and a second telescopic stage (4) is arranged displaceably on the first telescopic stage (3) in the same direction (RT), wherein the adjustment drive (7, 8, 9, 10) is arranged on the first telescopic stage (3), characterized in that the adjustment drive (7, 8, 9, 10) interacts with a rigid chain (S), which is connected with its one end (Sa) to the base unit (2) and with its other end (Sb) to the second telescopic stage (4).