Bulldozer Blade Mounting Assembly with Dynamic Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade mounting assemblies for vehicles, such as bulldozers, face challenges in handling high loads without increasing weight and volume, as they require larger hydraulic cylinders to manage excessive pressures, which are inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with pivotably mounted link members and actuators arranged at obtuse angles, allowing for reduced distance between the implement and vehicle, enabling higher compressive forces with smaller actuators, and incorporating additional actuators for adjusting orientation and pivoting, resulting in a lighter and more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger hydraulic cylinders are used to increase load-bearing capacity, then the assembly can withstand higher loads, but the weight and volume of the assembly significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic linkage mechanism with multiple pivots and link members that allows the actuator to operate through a optimized motion path. The obtuse angle arrangement between the actuator and link member creates a mechanical advantage that amplifies the actuator's force output, enabling smaller actuators to handle larger loads dynamically during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a second actuator that moves the second pivot from one side of a line joining the first and third pivots to the other side. This dimensional movement creates a more efficient force transmission geometry, allowing the system to resolve loads more effectively without requiring larger primary actuators.
2Strength
If larger hydraulic cylinders are used to increase load-bearing capacity, then the assembly can withstand higher loads, but the volume of the assembly significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic linkage mechanism with obtuse angle arrangement creates a compact configuration where the actuator operates in a more efficient portion of its stroke. This dynamic geometry allows smaller volume actuators to generate the necessary forces through mechanical advantage rather than requiring large displacement cylinders.
Solution Approach 2:
The link members and pivots serve multiple functions: they transmit force from the actuator to the implement, provide structural support, and create the mechanical advantage through their geometric arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural components that would increase volume.
3Volume of stationary object
If the distance between the implement and vehicle is reduced by shortening actuators, then the assembly becomes more compact, but the load-bearing capacity and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the second actuator to move the second pivot across the line joining the first and third pivots, creating a three-dimensional configuration that maintains structural stability and load-bearing capacity without requiring the primary actuators to be excessively long. This dimensional arrangement provides geometric rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The obtuse angle arrangement between the actuator and link member creates a dynamic mechanical advantage that compensates for the reduced actuator length. As the linkage moves through its range of motion, the geometry naturally amplifies the actuator's force output, maintaining load-bearing capacity despite compact dimensions.
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
This configuration significantly increases the assembly's load-bearing capacity while reducing weight and volume, allowing for efficient angular adjustments and improved resistance to compressive loads, enabling secure anchoring and operation in various terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting assembly with pivotably mounted first and second actuators and link members that adjust the orientation of the implement relative to the vehicle, allowing for reduced distance between the implement and the vehicle, enabling higher compressive forces with smaller actuators
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of second actuators, each said second actuator being adapted to adjust the position of a respective said second pivot relative to the body to adjust the orientation of the implement relative to the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting assembly (6) for mounting a bulldozer blade (2) to a vehicle (4) is disclosed. The assembly comprises a lower link (8) adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a pair of first actuators (16, 18) adapted to be pivotably mounted to the blade, and to a pair of link plates (24, 26) via respective pin joints (28, 30), and a pair of second actuators (36, 38) adapted to adjust the position of respective pin joints (28, 30) relative to the lower link to adjust the orientation of the blade relative to the vehicle.