Floating Pivot Joint for Work Implement Terrain Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power machine work implements lack the ability to effectively pivot and adjust to irregular terrain, leading to inefficient operation and control, especially when engaging with uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A work implement with a pivot joint and actuator system that allows the tool portion to rotate about an axis, enabling it to pivot relative to the mounting portion, utilizing a ball and socket arrangement for smooth movement and minimal lateral displacement, and an actuator connected to both portions for angle adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid connection is used between the tool portion and mounting portion, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to pivot and adapt to irregular terrain is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed rigid connection with a floating pivot joint that allows dynamic movement. The tool portion can pivot relative to the mounting portion through the ball and socket joint, enabling adaptation to irregular terrain while maintaining structural integrity through the actuator-controlled mechanism
2Ease of operation
If a simple pivot joint is used, then ease of operation is improved, but lateral displacement and instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the actuator as an intermediary element between the mounting portion and tool portion. The actuator controls the pivot movement through the ball and socket joint, allowing easy operation while preventing unwanted lateral displacement and maintaining stability during pivoting operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool portion is rigidly attached to the mounting portion, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to rotate and adjust angles is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a controlled movable joint system. The floating pivot joint with ball and socket arrangement allows rotation and angle adjustment of the tool portion relative to the mounting portion, while the actuator provides controlled movement without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms
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 the work implement to easily conform to irregular terrain, providing smoother operation and better control by allowing the blade to pivot freely, maintaining alignment and stability even on uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a ball and socket arrangement for smooth movement and minimal lateral displacement
Data Source
AI summary
An implement capable of being attached to a power machine having a mounting portion and a tool portion. The mounting portion is configured to engage with, and be secured to, an implement carrier on the power machine. The tool portion is capable of performing a work function. The implement has a joint for attaching the tool portion to the mounting portion and an actuator having first and second ends with the first end attached to the mounting portion at a first actuator attachment point and second end attached to the tool portion at a second actuator attachment point. The tool portion is capable of rotating about an axis that extends through the joint. The joint is capable of pivoting so that the axis about which the tool portion rotates is rotatable with respect to the tool portion.