Motor Grader Trip Edge Assembly Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work attachments for motor graders are complex and difficult to replace or retrofit, especially when encountering objects in the drive path that can cause damage to the moldboard and DCM system during operations like snow removal.
Innovation Solution
A robust trip edge assembly with a pivoting mechanism and mounting structure that allows for easy coupling and decoupling with the moldboard, featuring a trip edge structure with L-shaped sections and spring-loaded pivoting mechanisms to deflect around obstacles, reducing impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lifting mechanism is used to protect the plow against impact damage, then the plow is protected from substantial damage, but the mechanism becomes complex in design and operation with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the moldboard by introducing a pivoting mechanism that allows the lower section to rotate relative to the upper section. This enables the moldboard to deflect around obstacles through controlled angular movement, protecting the DCM system from impact damage while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece construction without complex lifting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the previously static moldboard by enabling it to pivot and deflect around obstacles. The lower section can dynamically adjust its position relative to the upper section when encountering objects, transforming from a rigid structure to a flexible one that adapts to obstacles, thereby providing protection without complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a complex lifting mechanism is used to lift the cutting edge above ground level, then protection against impact is achieved, but the mechanism is difficult to replace or retrofit in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the moldboard's geometric parameters by adding a pivoting joint that allows angular displacement. This structural modification enables the lower section to deflect around obstacles independently, providing impact protection through a simple kinematic change rather than a complex lifting mechanism, which can be easily manufactured and replaced in the field.
3Strength
If the moldboard is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then it can withstand operational forces, but it cannot deflect around obstacles without transmitting impact forces to the DCM system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the moldboard through a pivoting mechanism that allows the lower section to rotate relative to the upper section. This enables the moldboard to adapt its rigidity - remaining rigid during normal operation for structural strength, but becoming flexible when encountering obstacles to deflect around them, thereby protecting the DCM system from impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the moldboard into two distinct sections - an upper section and a lower section - connected by a pivoting joint. This segmentation allows each section to function independently, with the upper section maintaining structural strength while the lower section can pivot to deflect around obstacles, preventing impact force transmission to the DCM system.
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
The trip edge assembly effectively reduces the likelihood of damage to the moldboard and DCM system by deflecting around objects, allowing for easy field replacement or retrofitting without modifying the existing work implement.
Implementation Method 1
a pivoting mechanism for pivoting a portion of the trip edge assembly in a first direction with respect to the moldboard when the trip edge assembly encounters an object in a drive path of the motor grader
Data Source
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AI summary
A work attachment (122) for a motor grader includes a moldboard (124) and a trip edge assembly (130) coupled to the moldboard. The moldboard defines a plurality of first apertures (126). The trip edge assembly includes a trip edge structure (130). The trip edge assembly also includes a pivoting mechanism (166) for pivoting a portion of the trip edge assembly in a first direction with respect to the moldboard when the trip edge assembly encounters an object in a drive path of the motor grader. The trip edge assembly further includes a mounting structure (156;157) defining a plurality of second apertures (162). The plurality of second apertures are aligned with the plurality of first apertures to receive mechanical fasteners (164) for removably coupling the trip edge assembly with the moldboard.