Work Vehicle Boom Lock Lateral Pin Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom lock systems for work vehicles lack an efficient mechanism for operators to lock and unlock the boom linkage from the operator's station without requiring manual intervention, leading to potential safety hazards and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A locking pin mechanism integrated with a lever accessible from the operator's station, which extends laterally to intersect the travel path of a locking tab, allowing for remote actuation of the boom lock, ensuring the linkage can be securely locked and unlocked without leaving the station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking pin mechanism is integrated with a lever accessible from the operator's station, then operator safety and operational efficiency are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A lever mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the locking pin, allowing the operator to actuate the locking pin from the operator's station without direct manual intervention. The lever translates operator input into locking pin movement, providing a safe and efficient remote actuation system.
2Reliability
If the locking pin extends laterally to intersect the travel path of the locking tab, then secure locking is achieved, but the risk of accidental movement increases if not properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions rather than fixed. This dynamic design allows the pin to engage with the locking tab when needed for secure locking, while also allowing it to disengage to prevent accidental movement. The pin's position can be controlled based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides mechanical feedback through the interaction between the locking pin and locking tab. When the pin intersects the tab's travel path, it provides tactile and visual confirmation of the locked state, ensuring the operator knows when the linkage is securely locked without requiring additional sensors or indicators.
3Productivity
If manual intervention is required to lock and unlock the boom linkage, then device complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency and safety decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be self-actuating through the lever mechanism. Once the lever is positioned correctly, the locking pin automatically engages or disengages from the locking tab without requiring additional manual steps. This self-service capability improves operational efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle may include a chassis, linkage, and locking pin. The linkage may include an upper link pivotally connected to the chassis, lower link pivotally connected to the chassis, and boom. The boom may include an upper arm pivotally connected to the upper link, lower arm pivotally connected to the lower link, front arm pivotally connected to a work tool assembly, and locking tab affixed to one of the front arm and the lower arm and protruding from one of the front arm and the lower arm in a direction away from the work tool assembly. The locking pin may be connected to the chassis and extend laterally relative to the chassis from a retracted position outside a travel path of the locking tab to an extended position intersecting the travel path of the locking tab.