Cab-Forward Truck Bed Material Spreader Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional truck bed mounted spreaders disrupt the weight distribution of vehicles, leading to poor handling characteristics and increased stress on the chassis and suspension due to the heavy, rear-weighted design.
Innovation Solution
A cab-forward spreader assembly design with a longitudinally spaced spinner assembly and an extension assembly that conveys material from the hopper to the spinner, positioning the hopper's rear end forward of the truck bed's rearmost portion, improving weight distribution and incorporating a pre-wetting system for enhanced material spreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hopper is positioned to extend along the length of the truck bed to maximize storage capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the weight distribution is worsened with excessive weight on the rear portion
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly changes the spatial arrangement by extending horizontally from the hopper outlet to the spinner assembly, allowing the hopper to be positioned forward while maintaining material delivery to the rear spinner. This dimensional reconfiguration enables the hopper to be cab-forward positioned, improving weight distribution while preserving storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assembly acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the hopper outlet and the spinner assembly. It conveys material from the forward-positioned hopper to the rear-positioned spinner, enabling the hopper to be positioned forward for better weight distribution while maintaining functional connection to the rear spinner.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hopper is positioned forward to improve weight distribution, then vehicle handling is improved, but material delivery to the rear spinner becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly serves as a mediating structure that enables material flow from the forward-positioned hopper to the rear-positioned spinner. It bridges the longitudinal gap created by the cab-forward positioning, ensuring continuous material delivery without compromising the improved weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The material delivery system is segmented into distinct components: the hopper in the forward position, the extension assembly as a separate conveying element, and the spinner assembly at the rear. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its function while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
3Reliability
If conventional thick sheet metals are used to withstand corrosive environments, then durability is improved, but the weight of the spreader assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader assembly utilizes composite construction combining aluminum or aluminum alloy for the hopper and frame with stainless steel for corrosion-resistant components. This composite material approach maintains durability and corrosion resistance while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to conventional thick sheet metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The material selection changes the physical parameters of the spreader assembly, transitioning from heavy, thick sheet metals to lighter aluminum and stainless steel materials. This parameter change maintains the required corrosion resistance and structural integrity while reducing the weight to improve vehicle handling and weight distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides an improved material spreader assembly for mounting in a truck bed of a vehicle. A hopper carrying a material to be dispersed is supported in the truck bed. An auger is disposed within the hopper to convey the material towards an outlet. A spinner assembly is longitudinally spaced from the outlet of the hopper. An extension assembly extends between the outlet of the hopper and the spinner assembly conveying the material therebetween. This allows for a cab-forward placement of the hopper and frame thereby moving the weight of the filled hopper and the frame forward towards the front of the vehicle resulting in improved weight distribution.