Compact Outrigger Assembly for Deep Reach and Clear Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outriggers for utility vehicles face challenges in providing suitable penetration depth while stowing within the maximum width and height of the vehicle, causing obstructions and lacking user flexibility during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A compact outrigger device with independently controlled first and second leg assemblies, utilizing tilt and extension actuators to transition between stowed, out, and fully deployed configurations, allowing for increased ground penetration and reduced obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If radial outriggers are used to provide ground penetration and stability spread, then penetration depth and stability are improved, but clearance space for deployment and susceptibility to obstructions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger leg is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the outrigger to achieve full deployment length and stability spread while being able to compact into a smaller stowed configuration that fits within vehicle dimensions without requiring excessive clearance space.
Solution Approach 2:
The outrigger system employs dynamic telescoping mechanisms that allow the leg length to change continuously during deployment. This dynamic capability enables the outrigger to transition from a compact stowed state to a fully extended stable configuration, adapting to available space while maintaining deployment effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If out-and-down outriggers are used to provide setup flexibility and ground penetration, then adaptability and penetration depth are improved, but job site obstruction and safety hazards worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the traditional out-and-down deployment sequence that creates obstructions, this invention employs an out-to-the-side deployment path. The outrigger legs extend laterally away from the vehicle first, then make contact with the ground at a distance from the vehicle body, eliminating the obstruction hazard while maintaining setup flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If A-frame outriggers are used to reduce obstructions during setup and deployment, then ease of operation and lack of obstruction are improved, but spread width and ground penetration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger system transitions from the limited two-dimensional A-frame geometry to a three-dimensional telescoping configuration. By adding the dimension of extendable leg length through telescoping segments, the system achieves both the ease of operation characteristic of A-frames and the enhanced spread width and ground penetration of radial outriggers.
Data Source
AI summary
An outrigger assembly for a utility vehicle configured to provide stability to a utility vehicle. The outrigger assembly comprising: a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly, and a plurality of actuators for transitioning the outrigger between a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations configured to facilitate any of providing stability to a utility vehicle, reducing obstruction during deployment, stowing inside of a maximum width and a maximum height of the utility vehicle, and increasing ground penetration of deployed outrigger leg assemblies.