Convertible Mounting Bracket for Wing Plow Push Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting brackets for push arms on wing plows are limited to a single orientation, requiring separate brackets for different angles and necessitating removal and reinstallation, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A convertible mounting bracket with a clevis portion, backstop, and mounting flange featuring multiple holes that allow the bracket to be securely attached to a wing plow in two orientations, using a shared fastener as a pivot point for easy switching between angles without full removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-orientation mounting bracket is used, then the bracket structure is simple, but multiple brackets are needed for different orientations and reinstallation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with multiple mounting holes arranged in different orientations on the same bracket body, allowing a single bracket to perform multiple mounting functions for different push arm angles. This eliminates the need for separate brackets for each orientation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates a rotatable joint mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between different mounting orientations. The joint enables the bracket to rotate and lock into different angular positions, providing adaptability without requiring complete removal and reinstallation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate brackets are used for different orientations, then each bracket can be optimized for its specific function, but the quantity of parts increases and storage space is required
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal mounting bracket incorporates multiple sets of mounting holes arranged to accommodate different push arm orientations (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees). This multi-functional design allows one bracket to replace multiple specialized brackets, reducing part quantity and storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple bracket functions into a single integrated structure. Different mounting hole patterns and angular configurations are merged into one bracket body, allowing it to serve multiple orientation purposes that previously required separate brackets.
3Reliability
If a mounting bracket requires full removal to change orientation, then the mounting connection is secure, but the time required for orientation changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a rotatable joint with detent positions or locking mechanisms that allow secure mounting in multiple orientations. The joint enables quick rotation between fixed angular positions while maintaining reliable connection, eliminating the need for complete removal and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is pre-configured with multiple sets of mounting holes and alignment features that guide the mounting process. This preliminary arrangement of mounting options allows for quick orientation changes by simply repositioning fasteners to different pre-aligned hole sets, reducing adjustment time while maintaining secure connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket and method for mounting a push arm to a wing plow. The mounting bracket can include a clevis portion, a backstop, and a mounting flange. The mounting flange can have a first mounting flange hole, a second mounting flange hole, and a third mounting flange hole. The mounting bracket can be configured to be mountable to the wing plow in a first orientation using the first and second mounting flange holes and can be mountable to the plow in a second orientation, using the second and third mounting hole. The second orientation can be rotationally offset from the first orientation about at least one rotational axis.