Grading System Vertical Pivot Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fine grading systems face limitations in achieving precise automated control due to bounce and instability, particularly when dealing with hard ground environments, and are unable to cut and mulch effectively, leading to inefficiencies in finishing within site plan specifications.
Innovation Solution
A grading system with a blade assembly that maintains a substantially vertical pivot, eliminating quick attach assemblies and pitch control actuators, and incorporating a cutting element assembly that allows for cutting and mulching, enabling precise control and operation on hard ground without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a grading system uses vertically movable arms with quick attach mounting and pitch control actuators to extend the blade forward, then the blade can reach further from the vehicle, but the system introduces undesirable bounce and instability that interferes with automated control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the quick attach mounting assembly and pitch control actuators from the grading system. By extracting these components that caused bounce and instability, the blade assembly achieves stable automated control while maintaining adequate extension distance through the simplified vertically movable arm configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The grading system is divided into separate functional modules: the vehicle body, the vertically movable arms, and the blade assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the blade assembly designed to maintain stability during automated operation while the arms provide necessary movement capability.
2Length of moving object
If the blade is positioned well forward of the vehicle to extend grading capability, then more ground can be covered, but the pivot axis becomes significantly tilted which interferes with automated grading control
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through the vertically movable arms that can raise and lower the blade while maintaining a substantially vertical pivot axis. This dynamic configuration allows the blade to extend forward without creating significant tilt, preserving automated control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a fixed blade position to a multi-dimensional adjustable position system. The vertically movable arms provide vertical movement freedom while maintaining horizontal alignment, allowing the blade to extend forward without compromising the vertical pivot axis orientation needed for precise automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known grading systems are used on hard or solid ground, then the existing equipment can operate, but they are not capable of cutting and mulching hard ground effectively, requiring heavy duty digging equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The grading system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various ground conditions. The blade assembly can operate on soft ground for traditional grading while also being capable of cutting and mulching hard ground surfaces, eliminating the need for separate heavy duty digging equipment and expanding versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the blade angle, movement speed, and arm position to adapt to different ground hardness. This allows the same grading system to effectively handle both soft and hard ground conditions without requiring multiple specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A grading system for connection to a vehicle having vertically movable arms, the grading system including a grading blade assembly having a frame having a first pivot extending upward, a second pivot extending forward, a blade connected to the frame via the first pivot and the second pivot, a blade yaw actuator and a blade roll actuator, wherein the frame is configured to have the first pivot extend substantially vertically and the second pivot extend substantially longitudinally when the grading blade assembly is connected to the vehicle and the blade and vehicle are in a level position on a ground surface and the vertically movable arms of the vehicle are in a first raised position above a lowest most position.