Convertible Box Blade Scraper with Pivotable Moldboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box blades and grading scrapers require separate devices for cutting and moving materials and surface leveling, necessitating multiple purchases and storage, and are limited in their ability to effectively recirculate and churn materials.
Innovation Solution
A convertible box blade scraper apparatus with a frame assembly, pivotable moldboard, and hitch assembly that allows the device to function as both a box blade and a grading scraper, enabling efficient material recirculation and churning by switching between up and down positions of the moldboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate box blade and grading scraper devices are used for cutting/moving materials and surface leveling, then each device can perform its specific task effectively, but the user must purchase and store multiple devices and connect/disconnect them before and after each use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a box blade and grading scraper into a single integrated apparatus. The box blade assembly with cutting edges for material removal is merged with a grading scraper assembly having a moldboard for surface leveling. Both functional assemblies are mounted on a common frame structure, allowing the user to perform both cutting/moving and leveling operations with one device rather than requiring separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. The box blade assembly provides material cutting and moving capability, while the grading scraper assembly provides surface leveling capability. The frame structure supports both assemblies and includes features for both functions, making the device universal for both box blade and grading scraper operations.
2Reliability
If existing box blades and grading scrapers are used separately, then each device is optimized for its specific task, but the user experiences loss of time for connecting and disconnecting devices
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both functional assemblies into a single permanently integrated structure, the patent eliminates the need to connect and disconnect separate devices. The box blade assembly and grading scraper assembly are both mounted on the same frame, allowing the user to switch between functions without any setup or teardown time.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates movable components that allow dynamic switching between functions. The moldboard can be positioned in different configurations, and the cutting edges can be adjusted or positioned as needed. This dynamic capability allows the single device to adapt between box blade and grading scraper modes without requiring disassembly or reconnection.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional box blades and grading scrapers are used, then each device has a limited design for its specific task, but the ability to recirculate and churn materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of both assemblies creates a combined material processing system where materials can be cut and moved by the box blade, then immediately recirculated and churned by the grading scraper action. The proximity and integration of both functional elements enable enhanced material handling capability that neither device could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows continuous material processing where the output of one assembly feeds directly into the action of the other. Materials cut by the box blade can be immediately recirculated through the grading scraper, creating a continuous processing cycle without interruption or material handling steps, thereby enhancing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible box blade scraper apparatus includes a frame assembly including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, one or more shank support cross-members, a first blade support cross-member having a first scraper blade secured thereto, a second blade support cross-member extending between and secured to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and having a second scraper blade and a leveling blade secured thereto, and a moldboard support cross-member, the moldboard support cross-member having a moldboard support longitudinal center axis. The apparatus further includes an elongated moldboard having an arc-shaped front surface that extends between a moldboard top edge and a moldboard bottom edge, the moldboard including one or more pivot arms rotatably coupled to the moldboard support cross-member to provide the moldboard with a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is coincident with the moldboard support longitudinal center axis, and further including a hitch assembly.