Blade Control System for Ride-On Floor Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride-on flooring removal machines face challenges in efficiently controlling the blade motion, leading to reduced effectiveness in stripping adhered flooring materials, especially when the blade holder's range of motion is limited and lateral loads compromise the shaft seal.
Innovation Solution
A blade control system featuring a hydraulic cylinder with a pivotable rod eye and intermediate link, coupled to a clevis and tie rod, which allows the blade holder to move between up and down positions, and a shaft support bracket to isolate lateral loads, enhancing the blade's range of motion and protecting the shaft seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional blade control system is used, then the structure is simpler, but the range of motion of the blade holder is limited and the shaft seal is vulnerable to lateral loads
Solution Approach 1:
The blade control system is segmented into distinct functional components: a blade holder for mounting the blade, an intermediate link for motion transmission, and a hydraulic cylinder for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling greater range of motion while managing system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate link is introduced as a mediator between the hydraulic cylinder and the blade holder. This intermediate link facilitates the transmission of motion while isolating the shaft seal from lateral loads, thereby protecting the seal and enabling improved blade holder articulation without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If the blade holder has limited range of motion, then the control system is simpler, but the effectiveness in stripping adhered flooring materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade control system transitions from a static or limited-motion design to a dynamic system where the blade holder can articulate through a greater range of motion. The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled dynamic movement, allowing the blade to adapt to varying floor conditions and maintain effectiveness in stripping adhered flooring materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the motion parameter of the blade holder by introducing a mechanism that allows variable angles of operation. The intermediate link and hydraulic cylinder combination enables the blade holder to achieve positions that were previously inaccessible, thereby improving productivity in removing stubborn flooring materials.
3Reliability
If the shaft seal is exposed to lateral loads, then the structure is simpler, but the machine experiences increased downtime due to seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate link is designed to preemptively protect the shaft seal from lateral loads before they can cause damage. By positioning and configuring the intermediate link between the hydraulic cylinder and blade holder, the system cushions the seal against harmful lateral forces, preventing premature failure and reducing machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate link serves as a protective intermediary that isolates the shaft seal from lateral loads generated during blade operation. This mediator absorbs and redirects forces that would otherwise directly impact the seal, thereby enhancing reliability without requiring complex additional protection mechanisms.
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
The improved blade control system increases the range of motion and protects the shaft seal, resulting in more efficient flooring removal and reduced machine downtime due to improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator coupled to the blade holder at a first end and coupled to the lower frame portion at a second end, wherein the actuator extends along a center line parallel to the lower frame portion and is operative to move between an extended position where the blade holder is in an up position and a retracted position where the blade holder is in a down position
Data Source
AI summary
A ride-on floor machine, including: a frame including a lower frame portion; a drive system carried by the frame; and a blade control system carried by the lower frame portion, the blade control system including: a blade holder pivotably attached proximate a front end of the lower frame portion; and a linear actuator coupled to the blade holder at a first end and coupled to the lower frame portion at a second end, wherein the actuator extends along a center line parallel to the lower frame portion and is operative to move between an extended position where the blade holder is in an up position and a retracted position where the blade holder is in a down position.