Configurable Powered Machine Accessory Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earthmoving equipment attachments are limited to specific functions and are cumbersome to attach and remove, restricting their adaptability for various uses beyond traditional Earthmoving tasks.
Innovation Solution
Configurable powered machine accessories with a base frame and attachment members that can be removably attached to different points on the equipment, allowing for multiple configurations to support and retain various types and sizes of articles, expanding the capabilities of powered machines like excavators and tractors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional attachments are made of heavy materials for strength and durability, then strength and durability are improved, but they become cumbersome to attach and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into a permanent base frame attached to the equipment and separate removable attachment members. The base frame remains fixed while attachment members can be quickly swapped without removing the entire assembly, reducing the effort required for attachment and removal while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed attachments to a dynamic configuration where attachment members can be easily repositioned and reconfigured. The quick-attach mechanism allows the attachment members to be dynamically changed based on task requirements without requiring heavy tools or complex procedures.
2Reliability
If conventional attachments are purpose-built for specific functions, then functional performance is improved, but adaptability for various alternative uses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base frame is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of attachment members through standardized attachment points. Different attachment members (buckets, rakes, grapples, etc.) can be attached to the same base frame, allowing a single equipment setup to perform multiple functions without requiring specialized purpose-built attachments for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing users to swap attachment members based on current task requirements. The standardized interface and quick-attach mechanism facilitate rapid transitions between different attachment types, making the equipment adaptable to varying operational needs while maintaining reliable performance for each specific function.
3Device complexity
If conventional equipment has limited uses based on specific designs, then design simplicity is improved, but productivity for multiple tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base frame serves as a universal platform that simplifies the overall system design while enabling multiple tasks. Instead of requiring multiple specialized attachments, the standardized base frame with interchangeable attachment members provides a simple yet versatile solution that increases productivity across diverse tasks without significantly complicating the design.
Data Source
AI summary
Powered machine accessories and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, a powered machine accessory includes an attachment apparatus configured to attach the powered machine accessory to a powered lift apparatus of a powered machine, and a support apparatus coupled with the attachment apparatus, and wherein the support apparatus is configurable into a plurality of different configurations at a plurality of different moments in time to retain a plurality of different articles upon the support apparatus at the different moments in time while the different articles are moved by the powered lift apparatus of the powered machine.