Ground-Engageable Attachment Coupling via Pivot Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines with self-propelled land travel vehicles face challenges in efficiently coupling and decoupling attachments without ground-contacting motive elements, requiring stable and secure mechanisms for support and alignment during operation and transportation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a frame, an elongated positioning arm, a pivot fixture, and a coupling assembly, where the positioning arm with a ground-engageable shoe and pivot fixture provide stability and support, allowing the attachment to be securely coupled and decoupled from the vehicle without ground-contacting motive elements, using hydraulic actuation and a cradle array for alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment includes ground-contacting motive elements, then the attachment can self-propel and perform work independently, but the complexity of the attachment increases and requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motive elements (tracks and drive mechanisms) from the attachment and places them on a separate self-propelled vehicle. The attachment retains only the work-performing components (trenching mechanism, frame, and coupling assembly), thereby reducing attachment complexity while preserving independent work capability through the vehicle's propulsion system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the attachment is securely coupled to the vehicle, then operational stability is improved, but the time and complexity of coupling and decoupling operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling assembly with coupling arms and connection points as an intermediary mechanism between the attachment and vehicle. This intermediary structure provides stable mechanical connection during operation while enabling relatively quick attachment and detachment through standardized coupling interfaces, reducing the time and complexity of coupling operations.
3Measurement precision
If the positioning arm is elongated to provide better positioning, then alignment precision during coupling is improved, but the weight and structural complexity of the positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a positioning arm that is elongated for precise alignment during coupling operations, but this arm is made movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The positioning arm can be retracted or adjusted during transportation to reduce its effective length and weight impact, while providing extended reach and precision when needed for coupling alignment.
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 solution enables secure coupling and decoupling of work machine attachments, ensuring stability during operation and facilitating modular transportation by reducing the load on coupling components, thus enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The positioning arm extends from the bottom of the frame and comprises a first end pivotally attached to the frame and a second end supporting an enlarged ground-engageable shoe
Implementation Method 2
The positioning arm extends from the bottom of the frame and comprises a first end pivotally attached to the frame and a second end supporting an enlarged ground-engageable shoe
Implementation Method 3
The pivot fixture is suspended from the bottom of the frame and comprises a ground-engageable pivot point at its lower extremity
Implementation Method 4
The positioning arm with a ground-engageable shoe and pivot fixture provide stability and support
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine is formed from a self-propelled land travel vehicle and an attachment. The vehicle and attachment have interlocking coupling assemblies. The attachment has a positioning arm, a pivot fixture and a ground-engageable frame. The positioning arm and frame allow the attachment to pivot about the pivot fixture to couple and decouple with the vehicle. Coupling and decoupling of the vehicle and apparatus can be achieved without the use of separate lifting equipment.