Prime Mover Bucket Attachment with Independent Pivoting Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachments for prime movers like skid steers lack the ability to independently control the orientation of multiple ends, limiting their versatility in performing various tasks such as lifting and carrying different types of materials.
Innovation Solution
A base member with pivoting ends actuated by hydraulic cylinders, allowing independent pivotal movement of each end, enabling flexible orientation and attachment of different tools or extensions for specific tasks, such as fork lifting or grasping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single actuator is used to control the attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility of the attachment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is divided into multiple independently controllable segments (first and second pivoting members) that can be actuated separately by distinct actuators. This segmentation allows each segment to be positioned and oriented independently, enabling the attachment to adapt to various task requirements while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment employs dynamic pivoting members that can change their orientation and position relative to the base member through actuation. This dynamic capability allows the attachment to transition between different configurations and orientations, significantly enhancing versatility without requiring a completely different device for each task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are added to control different ends independently, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment design uses multiple actuators to provide multi-functionality, where each actuator controls a specific pivoting member to perform different functions. The first actuator controls the first pivoting member for one function, while the second actuator controls the second pivoting member for another function, allowing a single attachment to perform multiple operations that would otherwise require separate devices.
3Ease of operation
If the attachment structure is made more flexible with multiple pivoting members, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of the structure may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates dynamic pivoting members that can be actuated to achieve desired configurations for different operations. The first and second pivoting members can be independently positioned to optimize the attachment's reach and orientation, making it easier to perform various tasks while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment for use with a bucket of a prime mover comprises a base member having fixed shape in a longitudinal direction of the base member between first and second ends with first and second pivoting members pivotally connected at the first and second ends of the base member, each actuated for pivotal movement about a respective transverse axis by a distinct actuator. The second pivoting member forms a base for releasably receiving different attachment ends such as a secondary arm member carrying a respective pivoting member independently actuated of the base member's pivoting members that is disposed on a secondary arm member end distal to a connection end thereof for connecting to the base member, an extension member without any actuators and pivoting members, and a tool section which is designed for carrying out a specific function.