Hay Fork Attachment Assembly for Utility Vehicle Bale Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving hay bales are physically demanding, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous, especially without proper equipment, and there is a need for a device that can efficiently transport bales using utility vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle hay fork attachment device comprising a frame assembly with tines, mounting arms, and a mounting ring that attaches to a vehicle's winch assembly, allowing for easy lifting, transporting, and placing of hay bales without significant user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to move hay bales, then no special equipment is required, but the work is physically demanding, time-consuming and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hay fork attachment device as an intermediary tool between the user and the hay bales. This device includes a frame assembly with tines that penetrate and secure the bales, mounting arms that interface with utility vehicle winch systems, and a mounting plate for secure attachment. The intermediary device transforms the manual handling process into a mechanized operation where the vehicle's winch system provides the lifting force, eliminating the need for users to manually lift and carry heavy bales.
2Ease of operation
If proper equipment such as tractors is used, then moving hay bales becomes easier, but the cost and complexity of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hay fork attachment device is designed to be universally compatible with utility vehicles equipped with standard winch systems. The mounting plate and mounting arms are configured to interface with common vehicle attachment points, allowing the same device to be used across different vehicle models. This multi-functionality approach enables users to leverage their existing utility vehicles for hay bale transportation without requiring specialized heavy equipment like tractors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a utility vehicle hay fork attachment device is designed to lift and transport bales efficiently, then productivity increases, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional components: a frame assembly with tines for bale engagement, mounting arms for vehicle interface, and a mounting plate for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The tines are designed to penetrate and secure bales, the mounting arms provide structural support and attachment points, and the mounting plate ensures stable connection to the vehicle. This modular segmentation enables efficient bale handling without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a utility vehicle hay fork attachment device that is comprised of a frame assembly further comprised of at least one horizontal frame member with at least one tine, a mounting plate, and a pair of mounting arms. The device further preferably resembles a garden fork and is made of a metal, such that it can carry strong loads and resist wear from repeated uses. The device is also comprised of mounting arms and a mounting ring that allow multiple means of attachment and support to a vehicle. In this manner, the device can be applied to any utility or all-terrain vehicle known in the art, to decrease the amount of time and effort required for moving hay bales.