Gravity-Driven Alignment for Earthworking Machine Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coupling earth working machines to working devices are cumbersome due to the need for precise alignment of heavy components, requiring significant mechanical effort and causing mechanical stress on centering formations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a connecting apparatus with frame and device coupling portions that allows the working device to hang and move automatically into alignment, driven by gravity, ensuring that fastening formations align orthogonally to the substrate, reducing the mechanical load and effort required for alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the working device and machine frame are aligned by mechanical means, then alignment precision is achieved, but mechanical stress on centering formations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmechanical stress on centering formations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The working device utilizes its own weight to automatically align with the machine frame through the connecting apparatus. The gravity-driven movement eliminates the need for external mechanical alignment forces, allowing the device to self-align without imposing stress on centering formations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems (centering formations, forcing mechanisms) with a gravity-based alignment system. The connecting apparatus enables the working device to align automatically under gravity, substituting complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a simpler gravitational field-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the working device is moved into position by external maneuvering apparatus, then alignment is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment easeVSAvoidmaneuvering apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The working device aligns itself with the machine frame using its own weight and the connecting apparatus. No external maneuvering apparatus is needed, as the system uses the inherent gravity force to achieve automatic alignment, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the need for external maneuvering apparatus by extracting the alignment function from separate equipment and integrating it into the connecting apparatus itself. The connecting apparatus becomes self-sufficient, enabling alignment without additional external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the working device is suspended by the connecting apparatus, then alignment precision is improved, but the connecting apparatus must support the full weight of the working device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsupport force required

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of the working device's weight (which would normally require complex support structures) into a beneficial alignment force. The gravity acting on the suspended device automatically guides it into precise alignment with the machine frame, transforming the burden of weight into the driving force for accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This approach simplifies the alignment process by allowing the working device to assume a predetermined position based on its weight, reducing the mechanical stress and effort needed for alignment, enabling efficient and precise fastening engagement without additional maneuvering apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

A method utilizing a connecting apparatus with frame and device coupling portions that allows the working device to hang and move automatically into alignment, driven by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11236472B2Method for coupling a machine frame of an earth working machine to a working device, earth working machine, and connecting apparatus for the method

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 WIRTGEN GMBH

AI summary

A method for coupling a machine frame (12) of an earth working machine (10) to a working device (28) between the machine frame (12) and a substrate (U) encompasses the following steps:arranging the machine frame (12) and the working device (28) between the machine frame (12) and the substrate (U);aligning the receiving portion (42) and working device (28) relative to one another in such a way that fastening formations (56, 60) of the working device (28) are lined up, along a spacing direction, with fastening counter-formations (58, 62) of the machine frame (12);bringing the fastening formations (56, 60) and fastening counter-formations (58, 62) closer to one another; andoperably fastening the working device (28) onto the receiving portion (42).According to the present invention the aligning step encompasses the following sub-steps:connecting the machine frame (12) and the working device (28) to one another by means of a connecting apparatus (76), in such a way that the working device (28) is movable in response to its weight, parallel to the effective direction of gravity (g) and orthogonally thereto, relative to the machine frame (12); thenallowing the working device (28) to hang on the machine frame (12); and thensupporting the working device (28).