Protective Canopy Four-Bar Linkage for Low-Force Position Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective canopies for earth working machines require significant force to change position and are costly, often getting stuck during operation.
Innovation Solution
A four-bar linkage mechanism with pivotally connected linkages and a manipulation component forms a lever structure, allowing the canopy to switch between operating and transport positions with reduced force and lower costs, utilizing a locking device for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding bearing mechanism is used to change the position of the protective canopy, then the canopy can be moved between positions, but the canopy gets stuck very frequently and requires considerable force to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding bearing mechanism with a four-bar linkage mechanism consisting of first and second linkages pivotally connected to the canopy body and canopy base. This mechanical substitution eliminates the sticking problems associated with sliding bearings while reducing the force required to move the canopy between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism provides dynamic movement of the canopy through pivotal connections that allow smooth transition between operating and transport positions. The parallel pivot axes arrangement ensures consistent mechanical advantage throughout the range of motion, preventing sticking and reducing required force.
2Ease of operation
If a rolling contact bearing is used to change the position of the protective canopy, then less force is required to move the canopy, but the cost of the bearing is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the position change mechanism into separate first and second linkages with pivotal connections, replacing the need for expensive rolling contact bearings. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, lower-cost components while achieving the same function of reducing force requirements for canopy movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism uses simpler, more cost-effective components compared to expensive rolling contact bearings. The pivotal connections and linkages provide a economical solution that achieves the desired force reduction without the high cost of precision bearing assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If a four-bar linkage mechanism is used to switch the canopy between positions, then the canopy can be switched with less force and at lower cost, but the mechanism must be properly designed to avoid intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism is designed with specific geometric relationships between the linkages and pivot axes to ensure direct transition between operating and transport positions. The asymmetric arrangement of linkages with parallel pivot axes prevents the mechanism from settling in unwanted intermediate positions, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effortless and cost-effective switching between operating and transport positions, providing better protection for operators with reduced force requirements and no intermediate positions, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the first linkage, the second linkage, the canopy body and the canopy base constitute a four-bar linkage mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the position of the canopy body can be better changed with less force
Data Source
AI summary
A protective canopy includes a canopy body, which is switchable between a first position and a second position, a canopy base, a first linkage and a second linkage for connecting the canopy body to the canopy base, each of the first linkage and the second linkage is pivotally connected to both the canopy body and the canopy base, respectively, and pivot axes formed at the pivoting connection positions between each of the first and second linkage and each of the canopy body and the canopy base are parallel to each other, such that the canopy body is switchable relative to the canopy base between the first position and the second position by manipulating the first and/or second linkages and/or the canopy body. An earth working machine having such protective canopy and a method for changing position of a protective canopy of earth working machine are also disclosed.