Work Machine Braking via Boom-Adjusted Brake Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of heavy work machines, such as excavators, on sloping bases poses challenges due to insufficient braking power and increased risk of accidents, especially on slippery surfaces, as existing methods rely heavily on the towing vehicle's braking capabilities which can be inadequate and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a crawler chassis with booms and a brake surface, where the work machine is supported on wheels and towed with a rope, using the booms to adjust the friction between the brake surface and the base, allowing the work machine to slow down through continuous braking, reducing the reliance on the towing vehicle's braking power and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transfer vehicle's brakes are used to brake the work machine during downhill transfer, then the transfer can be controlled, but the braking power is insufficient and the brakes operate at the extreme limit of their capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine uses its own mass and auxiliary device to create braking force through friction with the base, making the system self-braking rather than relying on the transfer vehicle's brakes. The auxiliary device presses a brake surface against the base using the work machine's weight, creating continuous friction-based braking during downhill transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary device acts as an intermediary between the work machine and the base, introducing a brake surface that mediates the interaction. This intermediary element allows the work machine's mass to be effectively converted into braking force through controlled friction, without requiring the transfer vehicle's braking system to handle the full load.
2Productivity
If the work machine is transferred on a sloping base, then transportation is achieved, but the slippery base causes the work machine to push the transfer vehicle downhill, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The braking action is applied in advance and continuously during the downhill transfer, counteracting the gravitational force before it can cause the work machine to push the transfer vehicle. The friction-based braking system creates opposing force that prevents the hazardous pushing effect on slippery surfaces.
3Power
If the work machine mass is used for braking, then the braking effect is increased, but the complexity of the braking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device, already necessary for supporting the work machine during transfer, is made multi-functional by also serving as the braking mechanism. The same device that provides structural support during transportation is used to press the brake surface against the base, eliminating the need for separate braking components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 method enables controlled and safe transfer of heavy work machines on sloping bases by leveraging the machine's mass for braking, reducing the towing vehicle's power requirements and minimizing the risk of accidents, while also allowing for adjustable braking to suit different conditions.
Implementation Method 1
using friction to slow the transfer speed of the transportation device on the sloping base
Implementation Method 2
The crawler tracks of the excavator are finally raised off the ground with the aid of a set of booms
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for slowing transfer of a heavy work machine on a sloping base, in which the work machine (10) includes a body (13), a crawler chassis (11) fitted beneath the body (13), and a set of booms (20) pivoted at its one end (17) to the work machine (10), at the other end of which is a selected auxiliary device (55), and a transportation device (12) is equipped with wheels (15), in which method the work machine (10) is transferred by supporting the work machine (10) on the crawler chassis (11) at least partly on top of the transportation device (12), and towing the work machine (10) using the transfer vehicle (14) with the aid of the transportation device (12) and using friction to slow the transfer speed of the transportation device (12) on the sloping base. In the method the brake surface (22) is pressed against the base (16) by means of the auxiliary device (55) in order to retard the transfer speed and the pressing of the brake surface (22) taking place through the auxiliary device (55) is adjusted using the set of booms (20). The invention also relates to an arrangement in connection with a heavy work machine for transferring the work machine on a sloping base.