Work Vehicle Bumper Assembly With Rotatable Tool Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Certain bumper assemblies on work vehicles obstruct access to mounting assemblies, necessitating the removal of the bumper to attach tools, thereby increasing reconfiguration time.
Innovation Solution
The bumper assembly features recesses along a vertical axis that allow for the rotatable coupling of tools, such as a hitch assembly, enabling tool attachment without removing the bumper, with vertical supports and mounting features that facilitate the attachment of various tools like rippers and mowers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bumper assembly is used to protect the chassis, then protection capability is improved, but access to mounting assemblies is blocked requiring bumper removal
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly is segmented into a removable bumper component and a permanent mounting assembly component. The mounting assembly remains attached to the chassis while the bumper can be removed independently, allowing access to mounting features without compromising chassis protection when the bumper is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is extracted from the bumper structure and positioned separately on the chassis. This allows the mounting assembly to remain accessible and functional even when the bumper is removed, eliminating the need to remove the entire bumper assembly to access mounting features.
2Ease of operation
If the bumper is removed to attach tools, then access to mounting assemblies is improved, but reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bumper and mounting assembly into separate components with independent attachment mechanisms, the mounting assembly remains permanently positioned and accessible. Tools can be attached or removed from the mounting assembly without the time-consuming process of removing and reinstalling the entire bumper assembly.
3Reliability
If a solid bumper structure is used, then protection capability is improved, but access to mounting features is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The design segments the protection function (bumper) from the mounting function (mounting assembly). The bumper provides solid protection when installed, while the separately positioned mounting assembly provides versatile access to mounting features for various tools and attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different tool types and attachments. By separating it from the bumper structure, it maintains universal accessibility while the bumper maintains its protective function, allowing the system to adapt to various operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper assembly includes a bumper that has a body and a mounting feature. In addition, a recess extends substantially through at least a portion of the body and the recess is configured to receive a mounting end of an element. In addition, the mounting feature is configured to rotatably couple the element to the body at the mounting end while the mounting end is disposed within the recess.