Work Vehicle Arm Assembly With Support Actuator For Horizontal Load Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The maximum force rating of implements, such as dozer blades, on work vehicles is limited due to the horizontal forces being transmitted through arms that are not adequately supported, leading to increased bending moments and load on pivot joints.

Innovation Solution

An arm assembly with a lift actuator to control the implement's vertical position and a support actuator that engages the arm's vertical portion to transfer horizontal loads directly to the chassis, reducing the load on arm/chassis pivot joints and increasing the implement's force rating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the arm is configured to support the implement without additional support mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the maximum force rating of the implement is limited due to increased bending moments and load on pivot joints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum force rating of implementVSAvoidarm assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the arm structure itself and assigned to a separate support actuator. This allows the arm to focus on positioning while the support actuator handles horizontal load support, enabling the system to handle higher forces without increasing arm complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support actuator is introduced as an intermediary component between the arm and chassis. This intermediary element provides dedicated horizontal load support, allowing the arm to operate with reduced bending moments while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the arm structure is strengthened to handle higher horizontal forces, then the maximum force rating of the implement is improved, but the weight of the arm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal force capacity of armVSAvoidweight of arm

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The load-bearing function is segmented from the arm and assigned to a separate support actuator. This allows the arm to remain lightweight while the support actuator, which is structurally integrated with the chassis, handles the horizontal force loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support actuator serves as an intermediary that transfers horizontal loads directly from the arm to the chassis, eliminating the need for the arm to be structurally strengthened to handle these forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the support actuator is coupled to both the chassis and the arm, then the horizontal load support is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal load support capabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling of the support actuator to the arm is extracted and replaced with a stop mechanism. This simplifies the connection while maintaining the load support function, as the stop provides the necessary mechanical constraint without requiring complex coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a traditional coupled connection between the support actuator and arm, the design inverts the approach by using a stop that limits arm movement and provides reactive force support. This reverse approach simplifies the mechanical connection while achieving the same functional outcome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enhances the maximum force rating of implements by distributing horizontal loads away from the arm/chassis pivot joints, thereby reducing bending moments and increasing operational capacity.

Implementation Method 1

The support actuator is configured to engage the substantially vertical portion of the arm to support the arm against a horizontal load applied to the arm by the implement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce transfer: Force

Implementation Method 2

The lift actuator is coupled to the arm and configured to couple to the chassis of the work vehicle. The lift actuator is configured to rotate the arm relative to the chassis to control a position of the implement along a vertical axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS9938687B1Arm assembly for a work vehicle with support actuator and stop

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

An arm assembly for a work vehicle includes an arm configured to rotatably couple to a chassis of the work vehicle. The arm includes a substantially vertical portion, and the substantially vertical portion is configured to support an implement. The arm assembly also includes a lift actuator coupled to the arm and configured to couple to the chassis of the work vehicle. The lift actuator is configured to rotate the arm relative to the chassis to control a position of the implement along a vertical axis. In addition, the arm assembly includes a support actuator configured to couple to the chassis. The support actuator is configured to engage the substantially vertical portion of the arm to support the arm against a horizontal load applied to the arm by the implement.