Pivoting Coupling Mechanism for ATV Containment Plows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow pushers and containment plows are designed for heavy-duty equipment and lack compatibility with smaller vehicles like ATVs and UTVs, requiring customization and limited adjustability for angle and height, making them unsuitable for smaller areas.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting coupling mechanism with standardized hinge bosses and pins allows containment plows to be easily attached and detached from various vehicles, enabling use on different models with adjustable tilt and height settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling mechanisms are used for containment plows, then compatibility with heavy-duty equipment is maintained, but compatibility with smaller vehicles like ATVs and UTVs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses a universal quick-attach mechanism with standardized hinge bosses and pins that can interface with multiple vehicle types (ATVs, UTVs, lawn tractors, skid-steer loaders) through a single standardized interface, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific custom couplers
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-angle coupling is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ability to adjust tilt angle and accommodate surface changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system replaces fixed-angle connections with a pivoting hinged connection that allows dynamic adjustment of the plow's tilt angle. The hinge bosses and pins enable the plow to pivot relative to the vehicle, accommodating surface changes and allowing operators to adjust the cutting angle as needed
3Ease of operation
If permanent attachment is used, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of attachment and detachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system divides the attachment into modular components (hinge bosses, pins, locking mechanisms) that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The segmented design allows operators to attach or detach the plow by simply connecting or removing the pin elements, enabling rapid tool changes without permanent fastening
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot coupling system that permits the use of attachable equipment such as material pushers or containment plows with a range of vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicle (UTV), lawn and garden tractors, small farm tractors, small trucks, skid-steer loaders, etc.