Broom Attachment for Vehicle with Universal Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining sports fields, particularly infield areas of baseball or softball fields, fail to ensure a smooth and consistent surface, leading to safety issues and unpredictable ball roll due to uneven surfaces and water retention.
Innovation Solution
A broom assembly that attaches to a self-propelled vehicle or a field finisher, allowing for easy operation and transition between operative and stowed positions, ensuring the broom bristles engage or disengage from the ground as needed, with connection assemblies for secure attachment to either a two-point hitch of a vehicle or a field finisher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broom assembly is attached to a self-propelled vehicle for field grooming, then field maintenance capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broom assembly is designed with a universal connection system that allows it to be attached to either a two-point hitch of a self-propelled vehicle or to a field finisher. The connection assembly includes a plate with multiple apertures and corresponding brackets that can interface with different mounting configurations, enabling one device to perform multiple attachment functions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each mounting type.
2Ease of operation
If the broom assembly can be positioned in operative and stowed positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broom assembly incorporates a dynamic positioning system with a pivot point that allows the broom head to rotate between an operative position (where bristles engage the ground) and a stowed position (where the broom is elevated). This rotational movement is enabled by a hinge connection between the broom assembly and its support structure, allowing easy transition between working and transport configurations without complex mechanical locks or actuators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the broom assembly is designed with connection assemblies for multiple attachment options, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate modular components: a mounting plate with multiple apertures, detachable brackets, and interchangeable connection assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, and then assembled through simple bolting or pinning operations. The modular design maintains attachment versatility while simplifying manufacturing compared to integrated custom-built connection systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for grooming a sports field is provided. The apparatus includes a broom assembly. The broom assembly may include a broom head having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the broom head, a plate secured to the top surface of the broom head and extending longitudinally along the top surface of the broom head, and a stiffener secured to the plate and extending longitudinally along the top surface of the broom head. The apparatus may further include a first connection assembly extending forwardly from the plate and a second connection assembly parallel with and spaced apart from the first arm and extending forwardly from the plate. The broom assembly may have an operative position wherein bristles of the broom assembly engage the ground and a stowed position wherein the broom assembly is positioned above the ground and locked in place such that the broom assembly does not engage the ground.