Front Loader Stand Posture Switching via Bucket Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles require operators to exit the driving section to switch the stand between in-use and stored postures, necessitating special actuators and control arrangements for stand pivoting, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A front loader system with a pivotable stand and a lock mechanism that can be manually operated from the driving section, eliminating the need for external actuators and allowing the stand to pivot with the bucket's dumping motion, and an interlocking mechanism for accessible operation, along with a link mechanism to prevent accidental pivotal movement when in-use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stand is equipped with a special actuator and control arrangement for pivoting between in-use and stored postures, then the stand can be switched between postures, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stand utilizes the bucket's own dumping motion to automatically pivot itself to the stored posture, eliminating the need for external actuators. The stand serves itself by leveraging the existing mechanical motion of the bucket to achieve posture transformation without additional control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The bucket's dumping motion serves dual purposes: its primary function of dumping material and a secondary function of pivoting the stand to stored posture. This multi-functionality allows one mechanical motion to achieve multiple objectives, reducing the need for dedicated actuators for stand positioning
2Reliability
If the operator must exit the driving section to switch the stand posture, then the stand can be securely positioned, but the ease of operation and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation requiring operator intervention is replaced by an automated lock mechanism controlled from the driving section. The operational tool provides mechanical control of the lock mechanism without requiring the operator to physically access the stand, substituting a complex manual positioning task with a simple controlled operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator in the driving section and the stand positioning system. It translates simple operational tool movement into secure stand locking without requiring direct operator contact with the stand, bridging the gap between operator convenience and secure positioning
3Device complexity
If the stand is allowed to pivot freely with bucket dumping motion, then the structure is simplified, but the reliability and stability decrease due to accidental pivotal movement
Solution Approach 1:
The stand positioning system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controlled state during bucket dumping. The lock mechanism remains engaged during normal operation, then allows controlled movement when the operational tool is activated, adapting its constraint level based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism provides mechanical feedback by becoming inoperative when the stand reaches the correct stored posture position. This passive feedback system prevents over-pivoting and ensures the stand settles into the correct position without requiring active sensing or control systems
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A stand 18 is maintained under a stored posture when the stand 18 is pivoted toward the stored posture side in association with a dumping action of a bucket 13 and a lock mechanism 25 is switched to a locking state. The stand is switched to an in-use posture when the lock mechanism 25 is switched to a releasing state while the stand 18 is maintained under the stored posture by the lock mechanism 25.