Removable Loader Attachment for ATVs Using Electric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicle attachments lack the functionality of a loader without the expense, permanence, and hassle of traditional hydraulic systems, which are impractical due to high initial costs, installation time, and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A removable loader attachment system for ATVs and UTVs utilizing an inner and outer lift frame with pivotal axes, an electric actuator, and tension devices to pivot an implement, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without hydraulic systems, featuring a frame mount, winches, and linear actuators for force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional hydraulic systems are used to provide loader functionality, then lifting power and operational capability are improved, but initial cost, installation complexity, and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hydraulic mechanical systems with an electric actuator system. The electric actuator directly converts electrical energy to mechanical motion to lift and position the loader bucket, eliminating hydraulic pumps, fluid reservoirs, hoses, and associated control valves. This substitution maintains sufficient lifting power while dramatically reducing system complexity and eliminating hydraulic fluid leakage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential lifting function from the complex hydraulic system, isolating only the necessary components. By removing the hydraulic fluid power transmission elements and retaining only the critical actuation mechanism (electric actuator), the system achieves the required lifting capability with minimal components, thereby reducing complexity while preserving force output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydraulic systems are installed on ATVs/UTVs, then loader functionality is achieved, but installation time and effort increase making retrofitting impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loader system into modular components that can be independently installed and removed. The electric actuator, lift frame, bucket, and mounting brackets are separate assemblies that can be attached to the ATV/UTV frame in discrete steps. This modularity enables straightforward retrofitting without requiring integration into the vehicle's existing hydraulic infrastructure, significantly reducing installation time and improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable mounting system where the electric actuator can be positioned and secured to various locations on the vehicle frame. The modular design allows the entire loader assembly to be quickly installed or removed based on operational needs, providing dynamic adaptability without permanent modification to the vehicle, thus reducing installation time while maintaining versatility.
3Force
If hydraulic systems are used, then lifting capability is provided, but hydraulic fluid leaks and system maintenance become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric actuator system that uses electrical signals instead of hydraulic fluid. This substitution eliminates the source of fluid leakage problems entirely. The electric actuator requires only electrical connections and basic mechanical fastening, making maintenance significantly more convenient as it involves no fluid handling, sealing inspections, or hydraulic system diagnostics, while still providing adequate lifting capability.
4Device complexity
If a removable loader attachment is designed without hydraulic systems, then cost and maintenance are reduced, but lifting power and operational efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from hydraulic pressure to direct electric motor torque. The electric actuator is selected with appropriate torque and power ratings to match the lifting requirements of the loader bucket. By optimizing the electrical parameters (voltage, current, motor size) and mechanical parameters (gear ratio, actuator stroke), the system achieves sufficient lifting power with a simpler, less expensive electric system instead of a complex hydraulic system.
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
Provides loader functionality to ATVs and UTVs with reduced costs and maintenance, offering ease of use and convenience by eliminating the need for hydraulic systems, while maintaining efficiency in tasks like material handling and snow plowing.
Implementation Method 1
an electric actuator to provide a force that pivots the implement about the second pivotal axis
Implementation Method 2
a first tension device configured to provide a lift force to the lift frame so that the outer lift frame pivots about the first pivotal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-use attachment device that is easily attached to and removed from an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) comprises a lift frame including an inner lift frame, an outer lift frame, a first pivotal axis and a second pivotal axis, and is configured to pivot about the first pivotal axis with a first electrical device, and has a second electrical device mounted on the lift frame to pivot the outer lift frame with respect to the inner lift frame. One end of the multi-use attachment is attached to the ATV/UTV, and the other end is attached to an implement such as a loader bucket, a pallet fork, or a plow blade. Some embodiments of the multi-use attachment use tension devices both for pivoting the lift frame about the first pivotal axis and for pivoting the outer lift frame with respect to the inner lift frame about the second pivotal axis.