Multi-DOF Linkage for Ground Working Attachment Lateral Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground and surface working apparatuses, such as those used on tractors and excavators, lack the necessary flexibility and versatility to perform advanced levelling and grading operations, particularly on lighter vehicles, and struggle with lateral movement requirements, which are essential for precision work near obstacles and on inclined surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A ground/face working assembly with a primary support portion and an accessory body portion connected by an interconnecting linkage set, including at least three links with pivotable joints allowing angular movement, and a lateral linkage set for controlled lateral shifting, enabling a range of movements including elevation, rotation, and lateral displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If ground working apparatus is mounted on lighter vehicles, then cost and manoeuvrability are improved, but the apparatus lacks flexibility and versatility for advanced levelling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-degree-of-freedom linkage mechanism that dynamically adjusts the accessory body position relative to the support vehicle. The system includes elevation control for vertical movement, lateral control for horizontal shifting, and rotation control for angular orientation, allowing the accessory to adapt to various working conditions while mounted on lighter vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The ground working apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a support vehicle, an accessory body, and an interconnecting linkage system with multiple independent control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall versatility through their coordinated interaction
2Measurement precision
If accessory is positioned offset to centreline for precision work near obstacles, then operational precision is improved, but lateral movement capability is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral shifting capability for offset positioning, maintains structural support for the accessory body, and integrates with elevation and rotation controls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated lateral movement mechanisms, thereby limiting complexity increase
3Productivity
If wider accessory system is used for broader coverage, then productivity is improved, but weight and stress on vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable linkage arm lengths and configurable linkage geometries that can be modified based on the required working width. This allows the accessory system to achieve broader coverage when needed while maintaining a compact, lighter configuration for other applications, thereby decoupling the relationship between coverage width and permanent weight
4Adaptability or versatility
If excavator arm mounting is used, then adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but movement is restricted to arcuate paths reducing operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic linkage mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom that actively compensates for the arcuate movement constraint of excavator arm mounting. The system includes controlled lateral shifting and rotation capabilities that allow the accessory body to achieve linear and angular movements independent of the excavator arm's arcuate path, thereby restoring operational flexibility while maintaining mounting adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Ground/face working apparatus (1) comprises a primary support portion (2) for mounting to a vehicle and an accessory body portion (3) including or allowing the attachment of an accessory such as a blade (5). Multiple fixed length links (4a-c) allow and limit a degree of relative movement between the accessory body portion (3) and primary support portion (2) including lateral, vertical, and roll rotational (about a horizontal longitudinal axis). Control actuators (6a, 6b) primarily control the aforesaid rotational and vertical dispositions of the portions (2, 3) while a side shift variable length link comprising an actuator (8) affects the amount of lateral movement.