Articulated Ditch Cleaning Tool with Orthogonal Pivot Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ditch cleaning equipment mounted on motor vehicles frequently suffers damage and is not adaptable to non-straight ditches or variable spacings between ditches and traffic lanes, leading to inefficient cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
The equipment features an arm with a vertical pivot axis and an articulated tool holder assembly that can pivot around orthogonal axes, allowing for independent or integral movement modes to maintain tool alignment with the ditch and vehicle trajectory, along with a conveyor belt for material transport and deflector mechanisms to guide material, protecting the tool from obstacles and adjusting to varying ditch profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cleaning equipment uses a fixed rigid structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to non-straight ditches and variable spacings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple articulated joints with pivot axes that enable dynamic adjustment of the tool assembly relative to the vehicle. The first pivot joint allows angular adjustment about a first axis, while the second pivot joint enables adjustment about a second axis orthogonal to the first, creating a dynamically adaptable structure that maintains stability through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly is segmented into multiple independently movable components connected by articulated joints. The tool assembly is separated from the vehicle by an intermediate arm structure with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing each segment to adjust independently to maintain optimal positioning while preserving overall structural integrity
2Strength
If the tool assembly is rigidly connected to the vehicle, then the structural strength is improved, but the reliability under varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated joints with pivot axes enable the structure to dynamically absorb and adapt to varying operating conditions such as uneven terrain, obstacle encounters, and changes in ditch geometry. This dynamic capability prevents structural failure by allowing controlled movement rather than transmitting excessive forces through rigid connections
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated joint structure provides inherent cushioning by allowing angular adjustments that absorb shocks and forces from obstacle encounters. The pivot joints act as mechanical cushions that prevent direct transmission of impact forces to the vehicle frame, protecting both the tool and vehicle from damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle trajectory is modified to follow the ditch, then the adaptability to variable spacing is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased maneuvering time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adjusting the vehicle's longitudinal trajectory to follow the ditch, the patent adjusts the tool assembly's angular orientation about vertical and horizontal pivot axes. This dimensional shift from longitudinal positioning to angular orientation allows the vehicle to maintain a straight forward trajectory while the tool assembly independently positions itself to follow the ditch geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated tool assembly automatically adjusts its own angular position relative to the vehicle through the pivot joints, eliminating the need for the vehicle operator to manually reposition or reorient the tool. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal cleaning orientation while the vehicle proceeds forward at constant speed
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a ditch which can be installed on-board a motor vehicle, including an arm (2) provided with an endless transmission member, a mounting (3) for linking the arm (2) to the vehicle, and a rotary tool (4) for cleaning the ditch. The arm (2) is installed on the mounting (3) thereof so as to pivot about a vertical axis (XX'), the tool (4) is arranged at the end of one tool-holder leg (6) forming with said tool (4) an assembly (7) coupled to the arm (2) by a hinged link (8) including means (9, 10) for pivoting said assembly (7) about a first so-called horizontal axis (YY') which is orthogonal to the pivoting axis (XX') of the arm (2) and about a second axis (ZZ') which is orthogonal to said first axis (YY').