Dual-Blade Road Drag Implement for Gravel Regrading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road grading technologies fail to address the need for efficient and easy road re-surfacing of gravel and smoothing of gravel roads, particularly in remote rural areas where skilled operators are not always available, leading to issues like rutting and wash boarding.
Innovation Solution
A road drag implement with two grading blades, supported by rear wheels and a hitch for connection to a farm tractor, featuring articulating support structures and hydraulic actuators for blade pivoting and frame positioning, allowing easy operation by moderately skilled operators to redistribute gravel and smooth road surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a typical prior art grader is employed for smoothing and re-grading gravel road surfaces, then the road surface can be graded and smoothed, but substantial skill and experience are required to operate it effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The grading implement is divided into two separate blade assemblies (first and second blade assemblies) mounted at different locations on the frame. Each blade can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing the road surface to be graded in segments rather than requiring complex coordinated control of a single blade.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single central blade that requires precise positioning and skilled operation, the invention uses two blades positioned at opposite ends of the frame that work simultaneously from different locations. This inverts the traditional approach and simplifies operation by distributing the grading function across multiple simpler components.
2Productivity
If a single grading blade is used in the center of the road, then the blade can be controlled to grade the surface, but gravel continues to migrate from the center to the edges
Solution Approach 1:
The grading function is segmented into two blade assemblies positioned at opposite ends of the frame. The first blade assembly grades the right side of the road while the second blade assembly grades the left side, allowing simultaneous gravel redistribution across the entire road width without requiring complex operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The two blade assemblies work together in unison to achieve comprehensive gravel redistribution across the road surface. By combining the grading action of both blades, the system effectively counteracts gravel migration from center to edges while maintaining simple operation.
3Productivity
If prior art graders are used in remote rural areas, then road grading can be performed, but the lack of skilled operators reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The implement uses two independently positioned blade assemblies that can be简单地 deployed to grade road surfaces. The segmented design allows moderately skilled operators to effectively grade roads without requiring the substantial expertise needed for traditional single-blade graders.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual blade configuration allows the implement to automatically address gravel migration patterns as it is towed along the road. The blades naturally position and grade the surface without requiring complex operator adjustments, enabling effective operation by less experienced users.
Data Source
AI summary
A road drag implement includes a frame, a hitch assembly, rear wheels and a two grading blades. The frame is supported by the rear wheels and the hitch assembly. The rear wheels and the hitch assembly have articulating support structures that are able to be controllably positioned between a raised transport positions and lowered working positions. A first blade assembly and a second blade assembly are pivotably mounted to the frame. The first blade assembly is in a forward position on the right side of the frame and the second blade assembly is behind the first blade assembly on the left side of the frame. Actuators connect between the frame and each respective blade assembly which are able rotate the blade assemblies between a first retracted position for transport and a second extended position for road work.