Work Machine Handrail Structure for High Strength Without Added Boom Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handrail systems for large work machines like crawler cranes require increased strength to prevent worker falls, leading to a significant increase in mass and cost.
Innovation Solution
A handrail device for work machines, comprising a pair of poles and ropes supported by shared fixation members on adjacent unit booms, reducing the number of components and minimizing mass and cost while maintaining strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the handrail structure is strengthened to prevent worker falls, then safety reliability is improved, but the mass of the boom increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail device is segmented into multiple independent components (poles, ropes, connection members, stay ropes) that are distributed across adjacent unit booms. This segmentation allows the safety function to be achieved through a distributed system rather than a single heavy structure, reducing the overall mass while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handrail device components are nested within and integrated with the existing boom structure. The poles are positioned between unit booms, ropes are strung between poles, and connection members are attached to the boom structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes additional mass while maximizing safety functionality.
2Reliability
If additional members are added to increase handrail strength, then safety is improved, but the cost of the boom increases remarkably
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail device uses universal components that can be applied across different positions and configurations. The poles, ropes, and connection members serve multiple functions: providing handrail support, ensuring worker safety, and integrating with the boom structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized expensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handrail device employs relatively simple, replaceable components such as ropes and connection members that can be manufactured at lower cost. These components are designed to be replaceable if needed, allowing the use of more economical materials and manufacturing methods while still achieving the required safety performance.
3Strength
If more components are added to the handrail system, then strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple structural elements are merged into an integrated handrail system. The poles, ropes, connection members, and stay ropes work together as a unified structure where each component contributes to the overall strength. This merging approach achieves high strength through synergistic interaction of components rather than through a single massive element, simplifying the overall design while maintaining strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a handrail device in first and second unit booms adjacent to each other, having high strength. The handrail device includes: a pair of first poles; a pair of second poles; a first main rope stretched between the pair of first poles; a second safety line stretched between the pair of second poles; a first pole support member and a second pole support member that support the first poles and the second poles, respectively; first and second connection member; a first stay rope stretched between the first pole and the second connection member; and a second stay rope stretched between the second pole and the first connection member. The first pole support member and the first connection member are fixed to a common first fixation member, and a second pole support member and the second connection member are fixed to a common second fixation member.