Telescoping Jib Locking Unit for Fail-Safe Emergency Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The locking device for a telescoping jib of a mobile crane is difficult to access during malfunctions, leading to challenges in retracting the telescoping jib for inspection or repair, as the locking and adjusting cylinders are located at the upper end and are complex to manage without energy or signal supply.

Innovation Solution

The securing and locking unit is improved by having first and second adjusting cylinders that automatically move to preselected safe operating states (bolted and released) without energy or signal supply, ensuring the telescoping device can be retracted and extended, with the valves and cylinders being relocated to the superstructure for easier maintenance and repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the locking device and adjusting cylinders are arranged at the upper end of the telescoping cylinder, then the telescoping jib can be compactly designed, but the locking device becomes difficult to access during malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact designVSAvoidaccessibility during malfunction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into two separate locations: the locking bolts are arranged at the upper end of the telescoping cylinder for compact design, while the adjusting cylinders are relocated to the superstructure for easy accessibility. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Hydraulic lines act as intermediaries to connect the adjusting cylinders (located in the superstructure) to the locking bolts (located at the upper end of the telescoping cylinder). This allows the control elements to be separated from the actuation points while maintaining functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the adjusting cylinders are arranged at the upper end of the telescoping cylinder, then the locking mechanism can be integrated compactly, but energy supply failures cannot be properly managed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoidmalfunction management
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates fail-safe mechanisms that automatically activate during malfunctions. The spring elements in the adjusting cylinders are pre-loaded to automatically move the locking bolts to a secure locked position when hydraulic pressure is lost, enabling the system to service itself during failures without requiring manual intervention at the difficult-to-access upper end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the locking device is positioned at the upper end of the telescoping cylinder, then the overall structure can be more compact, but maintenance and repair become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into static locking bolts at the upper end (maintaining compact structure) and movable adjusting cylinders in the superstructure (enabling easy maintenance). This segmentation allows the maintenance-critical components to be separated from the structurally-critical compact positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting cylinders, which require frequent maintenance and adjustment, are extracted from the upper end of the telescoping cylinder and relocated to the superstructure. This extraction isolates the maintenance-intensive components from the compact structural assembly, allowing technicians to service them without disassembling the telescoping mechanism.

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

This configuration allows for safer and more accessible emergency operation of the telescoping device, enabling continued operation and easier maintenance by ensuring the telescoping device can be retracted and extended even during malfunctions, and simplifies the maintenance process by relocating critical components to a more accessible location.

Implementation Method 1

a first adjusting cylinder (51) and a second adjusting cylinder (52) which are each designed as unilaterally acting hydraulic cylinders with a first spring element (53) and a second spring element (54)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring element: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a first adjusting cylinder and a second adjusting cylinder which are each designed as unilaterally acting hydraulic cylinders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic cylinder: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20220340400A1Vehicle crane having a telescoping jib with a securing and locking unit
Publication Date: 2022.10.27 TADANO DEMAG GMBH
  • US20220340400A1 patent drawing
  • US20220340400A1 patent drawing
  • US20220340400A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle crane having a telescoping jib, comprising a basic box with retractable and extendible inner boxes and a securing and locking unit that comprises a first adjusting cylinder and a second adjusting cylinder which are each designed as unilaterally acting hydraulic cylinders with a first spring element and a second spring element as well as a first line and a second line, where the first adjusting cylinder moves locking bolts between operating states of unbolted and bolted and the second adjusting cylinder moves driving bolts between operating states of secured and released. In the event of a malfunction, the first adjusting cylinder moves to the bolted operating state and the second adjusting cylinder moves to the released operating state.