Articulated-Arm Paving Block Vehicle for Automated Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized vehicles for transporting self-locking paving blocks require manual loading and unloading, leading to physical strain on operators due to the heavy and cumbersome nature of the materials.
Innovation Solution
A motorized vehicle equipped with a frame, tracks, an articulated arm, and hydraulic cylinders that allow for automated loading and unloading of self-locking paving blocks, utilizing a hydraulic transmission to power both the tracks and the arm mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading and unloading is used, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but operator physical strain increases due to heavy materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated articulated arm system equipped with hydraulic cylinders. The arm elements (first, second, third) and joint elements with hinge points create a mechanical system that automatically performs loading and unloading operations, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy paving blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic cylinders (first hydraulic cylinder connected to first arm element, second hydraulic cylinder connected to third arm element) to provide the necessary force for moving the articulated arm and clamping members. This hydraulic system enables automated operation while handling heavy construction materials that would be cumbersome for manual handling.
2Extent of automation
If an articulated arm with multiple hydraulic cylinders is added, then loading and unloading become automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm is divided into multiple segmented components: first arm element, second arm elements (pair), third arm element, and joint element with multiple hinge points. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex loading and unloading motions through coordinated movement of simpler individual segments, making the automation more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm structure incorporates multiple degrees of freedom through hinged connections at different hinge points. The first arm element rotates relative to the support structure, the third arm element rotates relative to the first arm element, and the clamping members can move independently. This dynamic configuration enables flexible automated operation for loading and unloading while maintaining structural integrity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic transmission powers both tracks and arm mechanisms, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic power transmission system to serve dual functions: powering both the track mechanisms for vehicle movement and the hydraulic cylinders for articulated arm operation. This unified hydraulic system reduces overall energy consumption by eliminating separate power sources and reduces maintenance needs by consolidating the hydraulic infrastructure.
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
Automates the loading and unloading process, reducing operator strain, enabling cost-effective conversion of existing vehicles, improving performance, and reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic cylinder hinged on one side on the support structure rotatable relative thereto and on the other side connected to the first arm element to push, when driven, the first arm element in rotation relative to the support structure
Implementation Method 2
a second hydraulic cylinder connected on one side to the joint element at the second hinge point thereof and on the other side at a second end of the third arm element, arranged opposed to the first end of the third arm element, to push, when driven, the third arm element in rotation relative to the first arm element
Data Source
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AI summary
The motorized vehicle (10) for moving self-locking paving blocks comprises: a frame (12) with a pair of tracks (18); an articulated arm (14) with: a first arm element (24); a first hydraulic cylinder (30) to push, when driven, the first arm element (24) in rotation; a joint element (34) having a first, a second and a third hinge point (36;38;40), wherein the first arm element (24) is hinged on the first hinge point (36) of the joint element (34); a pair of second arm elements (26), arranged parallel to each other; a third arm element (28), hinged on the third hinge point (40) of the joint element (34); a second hydraulic cylinder (32) to push, when driven, the third arm element (28) in rotation; a pair of clamping members (16) adapted to be moved between a clamping position, wherein they maintain a row of self-locking paving blocks clamped, and a release position, wherein they are at a maximum distance from each other.