Tilt Device for Material Handling Machine Reducing Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilt devices for material handling machines have a high profile, are expensive, and have limited access for maintenance due to a heavy circular base, restricting 360° rotation and tilt capabilities, especially when passing under bridges or in restricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
A tilt device with a mounting plate and pivotal member connected by pins and spindles, allowing synchronous and independent movement of rams for forward, rear, left, and right tilt, and 360° rotation, eliminating the need for a circular base, reducing overall height, and enabling easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circular base is used for tilt mechanism, then tilt capability is achieved, but overall height increases and maintenance access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a pivotal member with arms connected to the frame, and a mounting plate connected to the pivotal member. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large circular base, reducing overall height while maintaining tilt capability through coordinated movement of multiple smaller components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane circular base tilt mechanism to a multi-dimensional arrangement where the pivotal member arms extend laterally and the mounting plate connects at a different vertical level. This dimensional reorganization allows tilt functionality without increasing overall height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a circular base is used for tilt mechanism, then tilt capability is achieved, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tilt mechanism into a frame-connected pivotal member and a separately mounted mounting plate, the patent creates discrete components that can be accessed and maintained independently. This eliminates the enclosed structure of a circular base that restricts maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate and its connection to the pivotal member are extracted as a separate assembly from the frame structure. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to access and service the mounting plate components without disassembling the entire circular base structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a circular base is used for tilt mechanism, then platform tilt is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tilt mechanism into standardizable components (pivotal member with arms, mounting plate, connection pins) that can be manufactured independently using conventional processes. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single integrated circular base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more readily available materials and components for the pivotal member and mounting plate assembly compared to a heavy circular base. This substitution with less expensive components achieves the same functional result at lower cost.
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 solution allows for adjustable orientation and tilt of the boom and cab, reducing height constraints and facilitating maintenance while maintaining 360° rotation and tilt capabilities, enhancing operational flexibility and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
Left and right rams are operable to move either synchronously or independently between an extended position and a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
The arms are pivotably connected to the frame by two pins defining a first pivot axis perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (A) includes a frame (16) and a platform (58) on which a boom assembly (B) is mounted. Two arms (332) of a U-shaped pivotal member (330) are pivotably mounted to the frame (16) about a first pivot axis (380) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the frame (16). A front end (302) of a mounting plate (310) is pivotably connected to an intermediate section (336) of the pivotal member (330) about a second pivot axis (382) perpendicular to and spaced from the first pivot axis (380). Two rams (400) are mounted on opposite sides of a rear end (304) of the mounting plate (310). Each ram (400) includes a lower end (404) pivotably connected to the frame (16) and an upper end (402) pivotably connected to one of the sides of the mounting plate (310). The boom assembly (B), the mounting plate (310), and the pivotal member (330) pivot about the first pivot axis (380) and/or the second pivot axis (382) relative to the frame (16) due to relative movement of the rams (400).