Electric Grapple for Compact Tractors with Linear Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor attachments for debris collection, particularly for compact or subcompact tractors, often require hydraulic systems, which are costly and complex, limiting their applicability to smaller vehicles and debris sizes.
Innovation Solution
A compact, electrically operated grapple attachment for compact tractors, featuring a series of parallel bars and a high-performance industrial linear actuator with a ball screw, allowing for efficient debris collection and conveyance without the need for hydraulics, utilizing an electric motor powered by the tractor's battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic systems are used for debris collection, then power and gripping strength are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor directly drives the grapple mechanism through a simpler transmission system, eliminating hydraulic pumps, hoses, and control valves while maintaining adequate gripping strength for the intended application scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic system from the attachment design, retaining only the essential mechanical components needed for grapple operation. This simplification reduces complexity while the electric motor provides the necessary power for debris collection on compact tractors.
2Power
If hydraulic systems are used for debris collection, then power and gripping strength are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the expensive hydraulic system with a more cost-effective electric motor system. Electric motors are generally less expensive to manufacture and install, especially for small-scale applications on compact tractors, while still providing sufficient power for the intended debris collection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more affordable electric motor system that is adequate for the specific application scope. Rather than using an over-engineered hydraulic system designed for larger equipment, the electric system provides appropriate power at a lower cost point, matching the scale and requirements of compact tractor operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic systems are used, then applicability to larger debris is improved, but adaptability to smaller vehicles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power delivery parameters from high-force hydraulic systems to appropriately-scaled electric motor output. The electric motor provides sufficient torque and power for smaller debris typical of compact tractor operations, while the overall system size and weight are reduced to match the smaller vehicle platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent tailors the power system characteristics to the specific application requirements of compact tractors. Rather than using a universal hydraulic system designed for heavy equipment, the electric motor system is optimized for the lighter-duty, smaller-scale operations typical of compact tractor users, providing appropriate force for brush and small log handling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective and efficient debris collection and conveyance on smaller tractors, with a narrower pickup width and reduced installation complexity, suitable for smaller debris like brush and limbs, while maintaining structural strength and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a high-performance industrial linear actuator with a ball screw
Data Source
AI summary
A debris grapple bucket attachment for securement with the loader of a compact tractor, generally used in conjunction with the front end loader of a tractor, the attachment comprising a grapple incorporating a grapple bucket for use in combination with a front rake like member, with the grapple bucket having sidewalls, a formed back wall, all structurally integrated together, with the rake like member being secured with an electrically operated industrial linear actuator, to provide for pivoting of the rake like member from an open to a closed position as when urging debris onto its grapple bucket, and to retain the same, for removal.