Coiled Wire Loader Tool Level Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool level indicators for loader implements on tractors are prone to being bent, unsightly, difficult to adjust, and prone to moisture accumulation and freezing, with issues of visibility and rattling, especially when accommodating various actuator sizes and tool types.
Innovation Solution
A tool level indicator featuring a coiled wire cylinder with helical coils and an indicator rod that aligns with specific coil sets to indicate level positions, providing clear visibility, preventing moisture accumulation, and accommodating different actuator sizes without clamps, and eliminating rattling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rod style indicator is used, then the indicator can be simple in structure, but the rod is not sturdy enough and can be bent easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the straight rod with a coiled spring indicator mechanism. The coiled spring provides both the necessary flexibility for indication and inherent structural strength, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and sturdiness through a curved geometric form.
2Measurement precision
If a bracket on actuator type design is used, then the indicator can indicate tool level, but it needs to be adjustable for bucket or pallet fork and can be difficult to keep tight and are unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the coiled spring indicator to work with multiple tool types (buckets, pallet forks, etc.) without requiring adjustment. The indicator is mounted on the loader boom itself rather than the actuator, making it universally applicable to different tool configurations while eliminating the need for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the indicator mechanism from the actuator bracket design and mounts it directly on the loader boom. This separation eliminates the need for actuator-specific adjustments and reduces visual clutter, while maintaining accurate tool level indication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rod is necessarily long to accommodate various actuator sizes, then the indicator can be versatile, but it sticks above the boom when the tool is fully rolled back and the location where the operator views the indicator is lower down making it more difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional arrangement by mounting the indicator horizontally on the loader boom rather than vertically hanging down. This allows the indicator to be positioned in a higher, more visible location while accommodating various actuator sizes through the flexible coiled spring design, resolving both visibility and versatility requirements.
4Reliability
If a rod-in-tube style design is used, then the indicator can be protected, but when the tool is left in a dumped position in the winter, water can collect and freeze in the tube causing the rod to bend
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the indicator mechanism from the enclosed tube design and exposes the coiled spring indicator externally on the loader boom. This eliminates the enclosed space where water could collect and freeze, while the coiled spring's inherent flexibility protects it from damage. The harmful trapping effect of the tube is removed while maintaining protection through a different mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration from a rigid rod in an enclosed tube to a flexible coiled spring exposed to the environment. This parameter change eliminates moisture trapping while the coiled geometry provides flexibility to withstand thermal expansion and contraction without bending or breaking.
5Measurement precision
If most tool level indicators are used, then the indicator can indicate level position, but the parts tend to rattle because of the loose fit between rod and bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator rod and bracket into a single integrated coiled spring assembly. The coiled spring itself serves as both the indicating element and the mounting structure, eliminating the separate rod-and-bracket interface that causes rattling. The continuous coiled structure provides inherent damping that prevents vibration and noise.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool level indicator is provided. The tool level indicator has a rod sliding in a coiled wire cylinder, with one end having an enlarged helical hook that can be slid onto an actuator barrel when at a substantial right angle to the actuator, then tightens on the actuator barrel as the coil is rotated and attached to the upper actuator pin. The upper coils are spaced such that a particular set of closely wound coils indicates a first tool level at ground and a second particular set of closely wound coils indicates a second tool level at ground when the tip of the rod aligns with the second particular set of closely wound coils.